Maurice Gleeson OAM has been appointed President of the International Blind Tennis Association (IBTA). This prestigious role is responsible for leading a consortium of more than 17 countries, with the aim of developing and increasing participation in blind tennis worldwide.
Maurice’s two-year appointment as President of IBTA recognises his commitment and dedication to ensuring the game of blind tennis continues to grow on the worldwide stage. Maurice is naturally thrilled. He said: “I am very excited that, after years of advocating for blind tennis programs to become mainstream in Australia, we are now leading the sport at an international level. Blind tennis is continuing to gain momentum and awareness, not only in Australia but across the world – this can only be a good thing for blind sports generally.”
“I see this as a clear opportunity to create stronger bilateral links between the 17+ member countries, while also working towards ensuring blind tennis becomes an official Paralympic sport in the future. A large part of the role will involve encouraging the participating countries to share their knowledge, experience and skills and work together co-operatively to develop the sport”.
Maurice, who has been President of Blind Sports & Recreation Victoria in Melbourne for almost 30 years, was instrumental in starting blind tennis in Australia more than 10 years ago, with VicHealth, Tennis Victoria, and Tennis Seniors Victoria’s support. The program has grown in Australia during that time and is now played in many states.
