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LOFOB SOUTH-TO-SOUTH SPORT AND RECREATION WORKSHOP REPORT
REPORT PRESENTED TO: STAKEHOLDERS LOFOB AFRICA OUTREACH PROGRAMME
REPORT PRESENTED BY: ARMAND BAM
MANAGER WELLNESS PROGRAMME- SPORT AND RECREATION (LOFOB)
SEPTEMBER 2007TERMS OF REFERENCE
With the clearly identified lack of resources and access to information with regards to sport for the blind and visually impaired LOFOB undertook to host the first South-To-South Sport and Recreation exchange programme. The purpose of the Exchange Programme was to offer training and resources to the coaches and players of the Ghana Association of the Blind and The Rwanda Union of the Blind to empower them to become knowledgeable and resourceful to ensure a positive first experience and strong foundation for new or prospective players.
The workshop was designed to focus on:
Providing the participants with a sound knowledge of the rules of games Providing the participants with a sound knowledge of training methods Develop skills of current players Providing the participants with a sound knowledge and understanding of retention and growth strategies with regard to players and volunteers
The instructions from the LOFOB Executive Director was to:
Provide the necessary training materials to the delegates. Provide practical training to the delegates for identified sports Review the accessibility of identified tourist destinations Compile a report expressing the impact of the workshop on the delegates Draw conclusions on based on the programme Make recommendations for future programmes Present the report to the Executive Director on the 28th of September 2007.
SUMMARY
The report communicates the content and experiences of hosting the exchange programme and the impact that it had through exchanging knowledge and resources between The League of Friends of the Blind (LOFOB) and Ghana Association of the Blind (GAB) and The Rwanda Union of the Blind (RUB) and the City of Cape Town Sport and Recreation Department. LOFOB was used as a case study exploring the successes it has had in running a sport and recreation programme.
BACKGROUND TO WORKSHOP
The decision to host the workshop arose out of the discussion between the manager of LOFOB’s Wellness Programme, Armand Bam and the GAB representatives for sport, Alexander Williams, a member of Ghana’s National Sports Committee and Karina Fischer Mogensen the Organisational Adviser working in partnership with the Danish Association for the Blind. Ms Line Lund from the Danish Association of the Blind contributed significantly in ensuring that the exchange took place through facilitating the sponsoring of the GAB delegates.
The need for the workshop stemmed from the identified need to involve blind and visually impaired persons in Ghana in structured sport, recreation and leisure time activities. LOFOB felt that if they could share their expertise and resources it would offer participants an intimate view of a live case study in Africa that would allow them to be able to transfer some of the practices to better manage their current programmes.
PROCEDURE USED
The workshop took the form of theoretical sessions, practical sessions as well as a final planning session. The workshop outline is presented as Appendix 1
OUTCOMES OF THE WORKSHOP
The programme was an opportunity to exchange knowledge and expertise with regards to sport and recreation activities for the blind and visually impaired in Africa. The following was achieved:
- Exchange of coaching techniques for goal ball, cricket and other sports
- Viewed and commented on recreational opportunities to promote inclusion for blind and visually impaired persons in Cape Town
- Identified a course of action for GAB and RUB sport and recreation
- Exchange of sport equipment to promote the growth of cricket in Ghana
- Created reporting structure for updates for organisations involved in the workshop
TABLE OF CONTENTS
TERMS OF REFERENCE
SUMMARY
TABLE OF CONTENTS
GLOSSARY
1. INTRODUCTION
1.1 SUBJECT OF THE REPORT
1.2 BACKGROUND TO THE WORKSHOP
1.3 LIMITATIONS AND SCOPE OF WORKSHOP
1.4 PLAN OF DEVELOPMENT
2. DEMOGRAPHIC/ ORGANISATIONAL PROFILE
3. METHODOLOGY OF THE WORKSHOP
3.1 PRE PARTICIPATION INVITATION
3.2 PROGRAMME OUTLINE
3.3 THEORETICAL INTERVENTION
3.3.1 Adapting sport and games to foster inclusion of blind and visually impaired persons
3.3.2 Introduction to the fundamentals of sport for the blind and visually impaired (goal ball, cricket, hiking, running, tandem cycling)
3.3.3 Coaching blind and visually impaired players with confidence
3.3.4 Player/ Volunteer Recruitment and Retention Strategies
3.4 PRACTICAL INTERVENTION
3.4.1 Playing selected table games, card game and dominoes
3.4.2 Making practical adaptations to a game to ensure participation by the blind and visually impaired
3.4.3 Basic coaching, playing and officiating techniques for goal ball
3.4.4 Basic coaching, playing and officiating techniques for cricket and attending World Cup 20/20 cricket matches
3.4.5 Piloting and Stoking (blind & visually impaired) on a Tandem Cycle
3.4.6 Viewing the accessibility of Kirstenbosch Botanical Gardens and the Braille trail to include blind and visually impaired persons
3.4.7 Hiking the Skeleton Gorge and Contour Path (Kirstenbosch Botanical Gardens)
3.4.8 Viewing the accessibility of Table Mountain and adaptations made to include blind and visually impaired persons
3.5 STRATEGIC PARTNERSHIPS
3.5.1 African Decade (hosted by Mr Thomas Ongolo)
3.5.2 Stellenbosch Sport Science Department (hosted by Ms Corne Rossouw)
4. THE RESULTS OF THE ACCESSIBILITY PRACTICALS
4.1 Kirstenbosch Botanical Gardens
4.2 Table Mountain Cable Way
5. CONCLUSIONS
6. RECOMMENDATIONS
7. APPENDIX 1: PROGRAMME OUTLINE
8. MEDIA REPORTS RELATED TO WORKSHOP
GLOSSARY OF TERMS
The following terms have been extracted and highlighted for reference purposes.
INTRODUCTION
1.1 SUBJECT OF THE REPORT
This report relays the experiences, events and impact of the South-To-South workshop. It communicates an overview of the theoretical, practical and the future planning components discussed during the workshop. Conclusions and recommendations with regards to the content of the programme, the analysis of recreation sites visited and the establishment and refinement of existing programmes in Ghana and Rwanda are included.
1.2 BACKGROUND TO THE WORKSHOP
Through the continuing development of the sport and recreation services at The League of Friends of the Blind (LOFOB) and the experiences of the clients that we serve we bear witness to the impact that sport, recreation and leisure time opportunities has on the social aspects of our clients lives.
Even though society has improved over time with greater inclusion of blind and visually impaired persons into “mainstream” activities, there still remains a level of disconnection between the blind individual or group and the sighted world. One of our core understandings that assist us with remedying this disconnection is that almost every person at some stage of their childhood has been exposed to play. These opportunities that we continue to create therefore presents an ideal platform for fostering better relations amongst all persons, sighted and blind.
At LOFOB our intention with our sport, recreation, leisure time activities and board games is to compliment the independence training skills service through providing a medium (sport & recreation) through which the blind individual can share his/ her learned skills with their families, friends and society.
All individuals have an innate desire to belong, and therefore seek out opportunities to interact with other individuals or groups. Sport, recreation and leisure time activities provide an ideal platform to promote not only inclusion but to build an improved self-image of the individual.
The decision to host the workshop arose out of the discussion between the manager of LOFOB’s Wellness Programme, Armand Bam and the GAB representatives for sport, Alexander Williams, a member of Ghana’s National Sports Committee and Karina Fischer Mogensen the Organisational Adviser working in partnership with the Danish Association for the Blind. Ms Line Lund from the Danish Association of the Blind contributed significantly in ensuring that the exchange took place through facilitated the sponsoring of the GAB delegates. As part of the sponsorship proposal LOFOB provided the local transport, accommodation and main meals for the delegates.
As LOFOB continues to expand on its local programme it has received support from the City of Cape Town’s Sport and Recreation Department for some of the sport programmes it has initiated through the provision of facilities and therefore extended the invitation to attend the workshop to the Department to assist with empowering their staff to facilitate sport and recreation opportunities for the blind and visually impaired. Two City representatives attended Randal Titus and Alton Esterhuizen.
The workshop initially stemmed from the need identified to involve blind and visually impaired persons in Ghana at a grass roots level (organisations serving the blind) in structured sport, recreation and leisure time activities. These organisations are usually the first point of contact for visually impaired and blind persons with other persons with similar needs in terms of independence training. LOFOB’s African outreach programme therefore seeks to empower grass roots organisations to develop opportunities for the masses as well as create suitable structures for elite athletes. LOFOB felt that this workshop would contribute to Africa by sharing their expertise and resources offering participants a intimate view of a live case study that would allow them to make comparisons or be able to transfer some of the practices to better manage their current programmes.
1.3 LIMITATIONS AND SCOPE OF WORKSHOP
The project was fully supported by the LOFOB executive committee who shared the vision of sharing the expertise and available resources with other organisations serving the blind and visually impaired in other African countries. The workshop required the active participation of the Wellness Programme Manager to present suitable materials as well as recount the experiences of LOFOB as a live case study. Participants were expected to participate in the theoretical sessions as well as actively participate in the practical sessions, as players, officials and instructors. The theoretical sessions and certain practical sessions took place at LOFOB’s head quarters, while practical sessions took place at other venues off the premises.
Due to time constraints, certain aspects of the workshop were considered more critical to complete and received more attention than others. The practical sessions dealing with goal ball, cricket and the access to recreational / leisure venues were the primary focus. The theoretical components were covered thoroughly with discussions focussing on LOFOB as a case study. Delegates were asked to refer to the notes where sections were moved through speedily due to time constraints.
The notes presented were those compiled by the presenter and are based on the experiences at LOFOB. The notes are meant to be a guide rather than prescriptive in any manner. The programme took place at the beginning of spring, but shifting the date closer towards South African summer time would be more beneficial in terms of practical outdoor sessions.
1.4 PLAN OF DEVELOPMENT
The report starts with a description of the methodology of the workshop. A demographic / organisational profile of the participants is highlighted before commentary on the results of individual aspects of the workshop is delivered. The conclusions are drawn from the findings and comparison of certain aspects of the programme. Recommendations are then based on the conclusions.
2. DEMOGRAPHIC/ ORGANISATIONAL PROFILE
The Ghana Association of the Blind is the highest recognised body representing all the sporting interest of blind and visually impaired persons in Ghana. GAB is the main advocacy agency representing blind and visually impaired persons rights in Ghana. Mr Alexander Williams (totally blind) is the elected representative from GAB to the National Sports Council of Ghana and is one of the key drivers of the Ghana sports initiative. Ms Karina Fischer Mogensen, an organisational adviser for GAB through the partnership with the Danish Association of the Blind is also actively involved in promoting the sport initiative and also does so on a voluntary basis. Mr Theophilis Omane (partially sighted) is a student from the University of Ghana and actively involved in the sport programme that currently exists.
Mr Bahati Satir Omar (partially sighted) represented the Rwanda Union of the Blind. Mr Omar is a social worker for the union and works on the special orphans project. Mr Omar is an avid goal ball player and aims to make sure that sport and recreation becomes a part of the independence training services that RUB provides.
Mr Alton Esterhuizen and Mr Randal Titus represented the City of Cape Town Sport and Recreation Department. Both representatives work for the council and are actively involved in the implementation of the grass roots programmes that the city provides at its recreation facilities. The City of Cape Town Sport and Recreation Department is in many cases the first point of contact for recreational opportunities for individuals. The City is currently embarking on expanding its involvement with sports for the disabled through many other initiatives.
The League of friends of the Blind (LOFOB) is a registered welfare and fund raising organisation, registered Non-Profit Organisation (NPO) and Public-Benefit Organisation (PBO) and was established in 1933 and operates from the LOFOB centre in Klip Road, Grassy Park. Our core function at LOFOB is to provide a range of independence services to visually impaired and blind persons to assist them with their integration into society. We believe that sport and recreation activities contribute positively to the independence and wellness of blind and visually impaired adults and children.
Armand Bam, the Manager of the Wellness Programme- Sports and Recreation of the League of Friends of the Blind, Cape Town, South Africa, co-ordinated the workshop. He is a sports science graduate (University of Stellenbosch), holding an honours degree specialising in Biokinetics (Sports Science and Rehabilitation). His undergraduate specialisation was in sports for the disabled. He also holds a Post Graduate Diploma in Management Practice from the University of Cape Town, Graduate School of business as well as a project management diploma. He is also a certified sport speed development and rugby coach. Armand is a member of the institute of Directors (IOD) and a registered member of the Health professionals Council of South Africa.
3. METHODOLOGY OF THE WORKSHOP
3.1 PRE PARTICIPATION INVITATION
Each organisation was asked to forward the details of the participants to the Manager of the Wellness Programme prior to the start of the workshop. Due to the late confirmation of the flight details of the international delegates, invitations to local delegates were sent at short notice.
3.2 PROGRAMME OUTLINE
The workshop was run over 8 days from the 11th – 18th September. The workshop was designed to focus on the adaptation of games, sport specific training methods, and skill development for the visually impaired and blind persons, retention and growth strategies with regard to players, coaches and volunteers as well as attending live sporting events that were hosted in the City.
On arrival in Cape Town, the delegates received a brief introduction to Executive Director and other administration staff of LOFOB and a brief City Tour followed this.
An outline of the full programme is presented as Appendix 1:
THEORETICAL INTERVENTION
3.3.1 Adapting sport and games to foster inclusion of blind and visually impaired persons
One of the most important considerations when adapting any activity is that the adaptation generally makes reference to the physical obstructions / barriers that will be encountered by the individual or group. These need to be redefined to promote the decisive involvement of the individual or group, ensuring that the true nature and challenge of the activity is not diminished through the adaptation as well as allowing the individual or group to feel that they are participating in activities on an equal footing to their sighted counterparts. The blind person can be helped to engage in a wide variety of leisure activities that may not only be restricted to physical activity but may include listening to talking books, singing and other cultural activities. These activities are not restricted to the blind individual and may also be enjoyed by sighted individuals.
Games and the environment they are played in remains an ideal platform to promote re-integration to society. Through learning and mastering new skills and interacting with other blind as well as sighted players it is evident that the emotional, psychological and physical dimensions of participants are affected positively.
The course content was meant to offer insight into the impact that games can have on blind and sighted individuals and covered the following: The Impact of blindness, Social inclusion, Instructing adapted activities, Adapting games, When to adapt, Guidelines for adapting, What can I adapt, Explaining adaptations, Planning sessions, The Plan, Adapting board games.
3.3.2 Introduction to the fundamentals of sport for the blind and visually impaired (goal ball, cricket, hiking, running, tandem cycling)
According to Rusalem (1972) blindness precipitates a real disruption in leisure activity patterns, requiring substantial adjustments. In many cases it may even cause a total withdrawal from recreational activity. The restoration of this recreational activity may be just as important as any psychological and vocational services.
It should be noted that the integration of blind persons into sighted groups is not easily achieved. Barriers in the form of community attitudes and the blind persons readiness to fit into groups like this will always occur as hindrances in the integration process.
One of the main influences in the transition from sheltered recreation settings to greater community participation is affected by the need for specialised training by both the participant and their sighted associates. The course content summarised the basic rules and requirements while officiating and participating in a game setting.
The sports/ activities (goal ball, cricket, tandem cycling, hiking, running) chosen were considered best in terms of being able to transfer the knowledge and practical experience into similar settings in other African countries as well as create sufficient interest amongst the organisations constituents. The sports are also unique in the sense that both sighted and visually impaired can compete together on an equal footing through the adaptations that the sports already require.
3.3.3 Coaching blind and visually impaired players with confidence
Before one can coach blind and visually impaired athletes with confidence, it is important to have an idea of the process of adjustment that some blind persons might undergo. The coach or instructor should therefore look at the appropriate use of games, sport and recreational activities to assist the individual through these stages. The course content included notes on the sequential model of adjustment, a theoretical construct centred on the basis that adjusting with blindness follows the same pattern as adjusting with any of life’s traumas. Most persons experiencing physical or social trauma of blindness experience this sequence.
Included in this portion of the workshop were the factors that would influence adjustment as well as coaching confidently through understanding. The coach should have gained a good understanding of the types of sports or activities that would be relevant during the different phases of adjustment that a blind or visually impaired person would be experiencing.
3.3.4 Player/ Volunteer Recruitment and Retention Strategies
Recruiting players and volunteers to participate in any sport and recreation programme requires thorough planning. Firm leadership will facilitate the development of an environment conducive to recruiting and retaining volunteers and players. Creating this type of environment will set a standard that will continue to motivate performance and satisfying participants.
Volunteers make up a core part of LOFOB’s sport and recreation programme. It is an important focus area that contributes to the overall success of the programme. We ensure that the volunteers are managed in a manner that allows the volunteers to feel a valued part of the programme. The more important these volunteers feel the greater the contribution that they will be willing to make to the programme.
The content presented recounts LOFOB’s approach and should act as a guide for other organisations to adapt according to their own circumstances. The content includes the recruitment, orientation, reward and recognition, and retention strategies utilised by LOFOB.
3.4 PRACTICAL INTERVENTION
3.4.1 Playing selected table games, card game and dominoes
The practical session explored the common table games played in LOFOB’s game programme. Participants had an opportunity to receive instruction in playing and teaching table games such as dominoes, ludo and draughts. Sighted participants were also required to be blind folded while participating to gain insight into the intricacies of having no sight and learning and teaching games.
3.4.2 Making practical adaptations to a game to ensure participation by the blind and visually impaired
This portion of the practical workshop required participants to apply the methods taught into a real situation. Two groups were created each having both sighted and visually impaired persons in each group. The groups were required to make adaptations to a snakes and ladders game with limited resources. The sighted individuals were to give a description of the game and the rules, while the blind and visually impaired persons were required to indicate the types of adaptations they would require without altering the nature of the game.
3.4.3 Basic coaching, playing and officiating techniques for goal ball
The practical sessions required all participants to take part in a session were attacking and defensive techniques were learnt. The sessions broke each aspect of attack and defence into smaller easier to learn sequential movement patterns that could be taught to others. All sighted, blind and visually impaired participants participated in mini game situation. Besides playing and coaching officiating a goal ball game was also required by certain participants. After participating in the initial coaching sessions held at LOFOB, the international delegates were exposed to their first full goal ball games, by being mixed into already established local teams from LOFOB and then finally competing as an independent team representing East and West Africa.
Besides participating in the game, time was taken to source the appropriate safety equipment required to play goal ball.
3.4.4 Basic coaching, playing and officiating techniques for cricket AND attending World Cup 20/20 cricket matches
This part of the programme was extremely exciting for both the South African delegates as well as the international delegates. Prior to this exchange programme, cricket for the blind did not exist in Ghana. The workshop focussed on the playing rules, playing techniques and basic officiating. At the conclusion of the workshop LOFOB donated of its equipment (3 cricket bats, 4 helmets and 6 audible cricket balls) in order for GAB to introduce the sport in Ghana. Cricket for the blind is another unique game that allows all categories of visually impaired and blind players to compete equally through the manner in which the rules are adapted. This was truly the first exposure to the game that Ghanaians had experienced. The delegate from Rwanda had indicated that they have had some previous exposure to the game in Rwanda, but the understanding of the rules and techniques were not yet mastered.
Mr Steven Elworthy, tournament director of the T20 World Cup responded to the request of LOFOB to assist with the sponsorship of tickets to certain games that played at Newlands. This was an ideal opportunity to generate enthusiasm around the sport specifically for those who have never experienced the game. Local blind cricketers, volunteers and the international delegates were all exposed to the atmosphere of these live cricketing events. Volunteers were required to deliver commentary to the blind and visually impaired participants describing the Newlands setting and atmosphere. For many of the local players this was the first time that they have attended a live cricket match at Newlands.
As LOFOB uses live sporting events such as rugby and cricket matches to continue to motivate our participants, this opportunity was used to illustrate the benefit and excitement associated with being at a live sporting event. It is also a great chance to show individuals that the integration into society once blinded, has no limitations. The presence of the delegates and LOFOB participants was also used to raise the awareness around the sport of cricket for the blind and the fact that we share the same passion for cricket as sighted persons do.
JP Duminy, opening batsman for the Proteas and an ambassador for LOFOB’s cricket team continues to assist us through his willingness to share his time with us. JP ensured that we received the full teams autographs, which were captured on a LOFOB sport T-shirts and later presented to the GAB and RUB delegates.
The practical session exposed the players to the basic techniques used for batting, bowling and fielding. Due to the constraints of time, this session served only as an introduction to the game. All official core documents of The World Blind Cricket Council were distributed to all delegates. The core documents were provided by Mr Geoffrey Smith the current Secretary of the WBCC.
Though this is an initial introduction, a visit to Ghana by the Manager of LOFOB’s Wellness programme was discussed in order to ensure that the coaching techniques and infrastructure supporting the game is nurtured to a self-sufficient and sustainable level.
3.4.5 Piloting and Stoking (blind & visually impaired) on a Tandem Cycle
The practical session took place under the guidance of one of LOFOB’s experienced tandem cycling pilots. Each visually impaired participant was taught the basic techniques and requirements to be a stocker, while all the sighted participants were taught the basic techniques for piloting a tandem cycle. Sighted participants were also given the opportunity to be the stokers. Even though this sport is not necessarily as accessible as the other sports, it is extremely popular in the South African context of sports where both sighted and blind participate on equal ground.
3.4.6 Viewing the accessibility of Kirstenbosch Botanical Gardens and the Braille trail to include blind and visually impaired persons
This portion of the practical training was used to highlight that leisure time activities is not only restricted to main stream sports. Kirstenbosch Botanical Gardens offers individuals an opportunity to experience through their fingertips. The vast open spaces and walking paths can be shared by both the sighted and blind person, through having the sighted person describe the natural surroundings. The Gardens also provides and audio headset with pre-recorded descriptions and history of certain landmarks and flora. Kirstenbosch also makes special provision for the visually impaired and blind individuals by means of a specially allocated path lined with Braille descriptions of the flora. The session was used to assess how accommodating the Braille trail truly was to blind and visually impaired persons and how functional the additional services are to facilitate a total experience.
3.4.7 Hiking the Skeleton Gorge and Contour Path (Kirstenbosch Botanical Gardens)
Hiking is a leisure time activity that is accessible and affordable anywhere in the world. This activity is not restricted to individuals who have completed mobility training and can be done by any visually impaired and blind person. The most important factor to consider here is the safety of the individual. Clear descriptions of the terrain as well as a variety of sighted guided techniques can be used to ensure a high level of excitement and adventure.
This portion of the practical training was used to demonstrate the sighted guide techniques used on uneven and mountainous terrain. All participants were required to participate through being part of the group and at times guiding the blind and visually impaired participants.
3.4.8 Viewing the accessibility of Table Mountain and adaptations made to include blind and visually impaired persons
Similar to assessing the levels of accommodation as with Kirstenbosch gardens, the group visited Table Mountain and used the cable car to travel to the top of the mountain. The group assessed the value of Table Mountain as destination that blind and visually impaired persons would want to visit while in Cape Town. Further to this the safety provisions that are made were assessed. The access to tactile/ Braille descriptions of the sites that are viewable were also assessed.
3.5 STRATEGIC PARTNERSHIPS
3.5.1 African Decade (hosted by Mr Thomas Ongolo)
An invitation by the deputy CEO of the African Decade, Mr Thomas Ongolo was received warmly. The visit was intended to view the headquarters of the African Decade as well as discuss possible future partnerships with regards to the Africa outreach programme that LOFOB was presenting.
3.5.2 Stellenbosch Sport Science Department (hosted by Ms Corne Rossouw)
Ms Corne Rossouw a well-respected lecturer from the University of Stellenbosch Sport Science Department and a leader in the world of disabled sports in South Africa hosted the delegation. The delegation toured the facilities that included the biokinetics laboratory. After the tour of the facility a general discussion was held with regards to the structures that exist within South African sport for the disabled and the appropriate routes that Ghana and Rwanda could use to further their inclusion into the more formalised sporting structures within Africa and internationally. Ms Rossouw made her herself available in terms of offering her assistance where ever she could assist.
4. THE RESULTS OF THE ACCESSIBILITY PRACTICALS
4.1 Kirstenbosch Botanical Gardens
The tour to Kirstenbosch Botanical Gardens highlighted certain difficulties that visually impaired and blind persons have to experience when wanting to participate in recreational and leisure time activities. The cost of entrance to the Gardens for adults is R30. The Gardens does offer an audio handset that gives an audio description of the flora and surroundings. The visually impaired and blind person would not only have to pay the R30 entrance fee but also a R35 rental fee for the use of the audio handset. In effect the blind and visually impaired person would have to pay both fees in order to facilitate a fuller experience of the gardens.
The one-page instruction guidelines for use of the audio set are only available in a print format. Each landmark indicated on the pamphlet is numbered and the individual using the handset is required to enter the numbers on the handset. A verbal explanation from the officer at the information desk was available. The audio descriptions were also felt to be too long. No Braille/ large print descriptive plates indicating the entrance or exit ways of the gardens were available.
The Braille trail was accessible to the group. The course is lined with a thick rope, which has fixed blocks attached at certain points where descriptive Braille plates are strategically placed to allow individuals to read the descriptions in Braille. Many of the fixed blocks were not actually fixed and had been moved past the sign boards and caused some frustration in terms of trying to find the sign boards. There are no signboards that were able to give the individual direction away from the trail once they have completed the trail.
4.2 Table Mountain Cable Way
On arrival at the cable way we were not able to make use of the disabled parking bays as tourists had occupied them. The attendant made no excuse for the allowance. Again no Braille print pamphlets were available describing the experience of travelling up the cableway. On arrival at the top of the mountain, other than a raised sculpture of the mountain range and the peninsula, no other accommodation was made. The signboards with information at the look out points had no Braille descriptions. The walkways were not sufficiently cordoned off in terms of indicating the ends of the path. The rope used to indicate the sides of the path were pushed back and at certain places the danger of walking off the path was compounded by this fact.
5. CONCLUSIONS
The conclusions are based on the workshop as a whole and discussions around development of sport and recreation opportunities in other African countries. The workshop clearly showed that a vast gap that exists in terms of the knowledge and access to expertise between these three African countries. The following points have been highlighted:
The sport and recreation infrastructure for blind and visually impaired persons is not clearly defined in Ghana. The emphasis on sport and recreation activities as an integral part of independence training is lacking for both GAB and RUB. No regular sporting and recreational competitions are currently run in Ghana Basic table games, goal ball and cricket were identified as definite means of increasing the awareness around sport and recreation for the blind and visually impaired in Ghana and Rwanda. The practical demonstrations offered at the workshop will assist with the development of the identified sports in Ghana, Rwanda and the City of Cape Town. A major part of LOFOB’s success is due to its volunteer and participant base and strategic partnerships. Access to recreation activities in Cape Town is available but suitable accommodations/ adaptations are not always present.
6. RECOMMENDATIONS
The following recommendations were based on the conclusions drawn:
GAB needs to plan for the necessary infrastructure to be in place to promote access to support and other opportunities Sport and recreation should be part of independence training at an organisational level for both GAB and RUB. Regular sporting and recreation competitions should be created to ensure growth in participation. Creating a strong grass roots sport and recreation movement and volunteer base should be a strategic objective of both organisations. Building on the resource base (equipment) should be a main focus during planning for both organisations. When promoting access to recreational opportunities, the consideration with regards to ensuring the fullest possible experience should motivate the necessary adaptations/ accommodations that should be included. All attendees will report back directly to their constituencies with regards to the attendance at the workshop.
APPENDIX 1:
PROGRAMME OUTLINE
GHANA SOUTH-SOUTH EXCHANGE
ARRIVAL- BRIEF CITY TOUR
DAY ONE
Theoretical: Adapting sport and games to foster inclusion of blind and visually impaired persons Practical: Playing selected board games, card games, dominoes Practical: Making practical adaptations in a game to ensure participation by the blind Welcome: Guests Speakers: LOFOB President Adv. Lesley Martin (partially sighted); Mayoral representative for Sport and Amenities for The City of Cape Town, Cllr Grant Haskins; City of Cape Town Director of Sport and Recreation, Mr Gert Bam; Deputy CEO African Decade, Mr Thomas Ongolo (blind)
DAY TWO
Theoretical: Introduction to the fundamentals of goal ball (rules) Practical: Basic coaching techniques for goal ball (attacking and defensive techniques) Practical: Officiating a goal ball game Practical: Participating in a practice goal ball game
DAY THREE
Theoretical: Introduction to the fundamentals of Tandem Cycling Practical: Piloting and Stoking (blind & visually impaired) on a Tandem Cycle Theoretical: Introduction to the fundamentals of guide techniques for hiking/ running Practical: Viewing the accessibility of Kirstenbosch Botanical Gardens and the Braille trail to include blind and visually impaired persons Practical: Hiking the Skeleton Gorge and Contour Path (Kirstenbosch Botanical Gardens)
DAY FOUR
DAY FIVE
Practical: Officiating a goal ball game Practical: Goal Ball match East & West Africa VS LOFOB Theoretical: Cricket basic rules (batting, bowling and fielding) Practical: Cricket basic coaching techniques (batting, bowling and fielding) Practical: Attending World Cup 20/20 cricket match (RSA vs Bangladesh)
DAY SIX
Theoretical: Revision of Cricket basic rules (batting, bowling and fielding) Practical: Attending World Cup 20/20 cricket match (RSA vs England)
DAY SEVEN
Theoretical: Coaching blind and visually impaired players with confidence
Theoretical: Player/ Volunteer Recruitment and Retention Strategies Practical: Sourcing Goal Ball equipment Theoretical: Strategic Planning Session
DAY EIGHT
8. MEDIA REPORTS ASSOCIATED WITH WORKSHOP
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