Without the racket, turbulence and fireworks of world Cup gamesThere is a comfortable and safe place space for fans who You might overwhelm him in stadium environment. “Sensory rooms” in three playing fields in Qatar, offers a peaceful haven for children And the young grown ups with Autism, learning disabilities, or other sensory impairments access requirements.
The rooms are located in the stadium sky at Al al-Bayt Stadium, Education City and Lusail feature soft furnishings, noise- Unplug headphones and interactive tools toys help children coping with bustling atmosphere and allow them to relieve anxiety and enjoy The unique experience of world Cup game.
“I have space like This is a respite. it’s a like A Warm Hug said Rana Smith, co-founder. of Sensory Souk, a Doha-based company working in the field of sensory rooms.
“everybody should You have the right and the opportunity experience football, “She said.” If someone has limited speech, limited movement, that shouldn’t be a hindrance at all experience Something cool and fun for the audience.”
The dimly lit rooms have soft pillows and soothing colored lights rising Bubble tubes and flaps mounted on Walls that provide different textures for help people calm down and refocus. fans also Submitted with Sensory cysts that include noise- Cancel headphones, weighted lap pads and fidget toys like plastic clapper and gloves.
big floor-to the ceiling windows Let families watch on field. The ultimate goal It is introduced gradually fans to me gameallowing them to sit down in the seat for periods at a time and then return to the sensory room when needed, Allison Sarraf, co-founder of A sensory market, he said at Lusail Stadium, which has a capacity of 80,000 spectators, where the World Cup is being hosted final will be played.
“in childrenwhich we are ideally want To do is ignite the passion for a new Sport, and the goal is always to get as many as possible, Sarraf said people enjoy The game outside And the experience It’s all here.”
The initiative run by FIFA and the host country’s supreme committee for Delivery and legacy.
its sensory chambers also was introduced in Last few years in professionals sports in United States, including MLS, NBA and NFL to provide soothing spaces for fans with sensory challenges.
“This really is such a global phenomenon people They understand more And the more The fact that they need to extend the appeal of sports said Dr. Julien Maha, co-founder of KultureCity, based in the US organization This helped sports teams across the United States with programs for visitors with a range of Sensory issues, incl people who They have autism.
“Because of Their sensory problems, as they go to exercise extensively event like The pitch can be not only overwhelming, but physically painful because of The crowdsThe noiseSmells a lot of These individuals tend to withdraw from community Maha said.
By providing sensory rooms, he said, the World Cup “opens up up The game truly ton more people and people who They were largely marginalized and not included, given the opportunity to re-engage and rejoin of The community again And the enjoy All of the things we as individuals take on are neurotypical for granted.”
