Ashanti Branch of Ghana Association of the Blind launches Sports Activities

Kumasi, April 11, GNA- The Ashanti Regional Branch of the Ghana Association of the Blind went on a route march through the principal streets of Kumasi as part of activities to launch the Region's Version of a Blind Soccer Fiesta. The National Blind Soccer, which was launched in February this year, aims among others, to unearth the innate athletic potentials of the visionary impaired whilst also drawing public attention to their athletic capabilities.

Led by guides, members of the association marched through the streets with placards some of which read "Support Us to Collect Medals for Ghana", "We can Perform" among others. Later in an interview with the GNA, Mr Alfred Tabi Amponsah, President of the Kumasi Metropolitan Branch of the Association, said the sporting event, which would take place at the Baba Yara Sports Stadium include blind soccer, blind gold ball, javelin, 80 meter race and other field events. Mr Tabi Amponsah called on the public to disabuse their minds of the notion that the blind are not capable of performing. He also called on the government to establish a sport fund to sponsor sports activities for the blind.

Mr Kyeremateng, Secretary for the Association, called on the public to adhere to the disability bill, while also urging drivers to respect the white cane and offer them the due assistance. He disclosed that the chief of Kokode, in the Bosomtwi Atwima Kwanwoma district, Nana Boakye Yiadom has given the Association 25 acres of land in the area to help establish a school and called on individuals and other stakeholders to come to their aid.

Mr Frank Addai Boateng, Principal Sports Development Officer of the National Sports Council in Kumasi, urged all blind people in Ghana to come together to form a strong pressure group and a mouth piece for the Association to lobby for government's support. He assured them of the Sports Council's support whenever the need arises and urged them to come out with programmes, which would be incorporated in the Sports Council's Programme. Mr Boateng also encouraged them to come out with more sports programmes that would arouse public interest.