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THE LEAGUE OF FRIENDS OF THE BLIND
- GHANA ASSOCIATION OF THE BLIND -
AFRICAN OUTREACH SPORT WORKSHOP REPORT
REPORT PRESENTED TO: STAKEHOLDERS OF LOFOB’S WELLNESS SPORT AND RECREATION- AFRICAN OUTREACH PROGRAMME
REPORT PRESENTED BY: ARMAND BAM
MANAGER WELLNESS PROGRAMME- SPORT AND RECREATION (LOFOB)
4-10 FEBRUARY 2008
ACCRA- GHANA
TERMS OF REFERENCE
With the initial meeting of the representatives from each organisation (Armand Bam - LOFOB and Alexander Williams and Karina Fischer-Mogensen - GAB) at the 4th IDP Africa Forum Nairobi 2007, informal talks were held during the conference concerning the lack of sport and recreation opportunities for blind and visually impaired persons in all African countries.
The common goal of increasing the participation of all blind and visually impaired persons in some form of sport and recreation activity at a grass roots level gave rise to further discussions. These discussions culminated in the first South-to-South exchange programme between Ghana Association of the Blind and The League of Friends of the Blind in Cape Town, September 2007. The workshop consisted of a theoretical component including modules for training visually impaired sports persons as well as a practical component participating in various sport and recreation activities. The Rwanda Union of the Blind also had a representative who attended the workshop.
Through this previous effort and the continued groundwork being done by both Mr. Williams and Ms Fischer Mogensen in Ghana, the inaugural Ghana Association of the Blind sport workshop took place from 4-10 February in Accra, Ghana. Armand Bam representing The League of Friends of the Blind presented the workshop.
The workshop was designed to focus on:
Providing the participants and coaches with knowledge of training methods for blind and partially sighted sportsmen and women. Providing participants and coaches with an understanding of the orientation and communication techniques required while participating in sport and recreational activities. Providing practical training for coaches as well as players in athletics, goal ball and Futsal. Providing the participants with knowledge of the rules of athletics, goal ball and Futsal. Contribute to discussions concerning the future development of structures to foster the growth of sport and recreation activities in all regions of Ghana. Introduce Futsal basics to the learners of the Akropong School for the Blind.
The instructions from the LOFOB Executive Director were to:
Coordinate and present the content of the workshop representing The League of Friends of the Blind. On returning from Ghana to compile a report expressing the impact of the workshop on the delegates and coaches. Highlight the activities and events that took place. Present the report to the Executive Director by 29 February 2008.
EXECUTIVE SUMMARY
The report communicates the intensification of the relationship between The League of Friends of the Blind and the Ghana Association of the Blind through the presentation of this workshop. It highlights the current struggles and the developments and progress that have occurred in Ghana as a result of the exchange of resources and skills between LOFOB and GAB.
BACKGROUND TO WORKSHOP
LOFOB continues with its mandate to ensure that we change what it means to be blind through our actions. The African outreach programme continues to grow as an integral aspect of LOFOB’s Wellness Programme. Discussions between GAB and LOFOB with regards to the need for further development of coaches and players in Ghana gave rise to the inaugural Ghana Association of the Blind Sport Workshop hosted at Legon University, Accra. Mr Alexander Williams and Miss Karina Fischer Mogensen were tasked with coordinating the participants and all logistical arrangement for the workshop. Mr Armand Bam was required to provide the practical coaching sessions as well as materials in support of the presentations.
The Executive committee of LOFOB in its continued support of the initiative and the strengthening of the relationship between LOFOB and GAB approved the attendance of Mr Bam.
PROCEDURE USED
The workshop was structured to facilitate a practical playing and coaching experience for all parties. Four days of practical training took place at the Legon University, Accra, while an additional day was spent introducing futsal at the Akropong School for the Blind. 26 participants attended the workshop, 15 members (from 5 regions, 9 men and 6 women), five GAB sports committee members, four coaches and a representative from the GAB secretariat. A half-day consultation with all the members of the different regions was held to convey the current GAB sports wing strategic intent/ action plan as well as discuss the action plans for each region going forward from the workshop.
OUTCOMES OF THE WORKSHOP
Attention was drawn to the lack of resources and recreational opportunities for blind persons in Ghana. The facilitator instructed players and coaches on the rules, techniques and resources required to institute grass roots sporting programmes. Sufficient time was allocated to learn basic skills and play games. Regional action plans were formulated.
CONCLUSIONS
The writer has the following main conclusions:
GAB is actively driving the process to include as many blind persons in sport and recreational activities across the country. Administrative structures to support the needs of GAB’s sports wing are constantly being developed. Lack of resources, and exposure to games are of the main inhibiting factors to the growth of regular sport and recreation activity in Ghana Historically there has been a lack of assistance from organised sports governing bodies in Ghana and internationally.
RECOMMENDATIONS
The writer recommends the following:
GAB solidifies its representation on the Ghana National Sports Council. GAB seeks assistance for resources from the International Blind Sports Association (IBSA) GAB continues to develop mutually beneficial relationships with organisations that have existing sports facilities. GAB develops a media strategy to continually inform stakeholders of its progress or events.
TABLE OF CONTENTS
TERMS OF REFERENCE
EXECUTIVE SUMMARY
TABLE OF CONTENTS
LIST OF ACRONYMS
1. INTRODUCTION
SUBJECT OF THE REPORT
BACKGROUND TO THE WORKSHOP
OBJECTIVES OF THIS REPORT
LIMITATIONS AND SCOPE OF WORKSHOP
PLAN OF DEVELOPMENT
2. ORGANISATIONAL AND PRESENTER PROFILE
3. METHODOLOGY OF THE WORKSHOP
3.1 INVITATION
3.2 PROGRAMME OUTLINE
3.3 PRACTICAL INTERVENTION
4. THE RESULTS OF THE WORKSHOP
5. CONCLUSIONS
6. RECOMMENDATIONS
7. ANNEXURE A
LIST OF ACRONYMS
The following terms have been extracted and highlighted for reference purposes.
LOFOB: The League of Friends of the Blind
GAB: Ghana Association of the Blind
IBSA: The International Blind Sports Federation
INTRODUCTION
1.1 SUBJECT OF THIS REPORT
This report relays the detail of the inaugural Ghana Association of the Blind Sport Workshop held 4 February to 10 February. It communicates an overview of the coaching experiences during the workshop. Comments and recommendations with regards to the experiences of the workshop are included.
1.2 BACKGROUND TO THE WORKSHOP
LOFOB continues with its mandate to ensure we change what it means to be blind through our actions. The strategic development of the LOFOB African outreach programme bears fruit through LOFOB’s willingness to develop opportunities where it can. The African outreach programme continues to grow as an integral aspect of LOFOB’s Wellness Programme. The lack of resources, technical know and active advocacy by players, coaches, recreational officers, government sport and recreation bodies, and organised sporting bodies for the blind are a few factors that contributes to the current lack of regular participation by blind persons in recreational activities throughout Africa.
LOFOB’s aim through its African outreach programme is to reduce the number of inactive blind people in Ghana through promoting and providing the necessary technical know-how to facilitate sport and recreational opportunities in Ghana through coordinated efforts with all its stakeholders. LOFOB continues to advocate for promotion of blind and visually impaired persons right to participate in all aspects of cultural life, sport, and recreation and leisure time activities.
LOFOB’s initiative also offers support to organisations and clubs that are willing to promote the integration of blind athletes into their programmes through an exchange of knowledge and at times physical resources.
Discussions between GAB and LOFOB with regards to the need for further development of coaches and players in Ghana gave rise to the inaugural Ghana Association of the Blind Sport Workshop hosted at the Legon University, Accra. Mr Alexander Williams and Miss Karina Fischer Mogensen were tasked with coordinating the participants and all logistical arrangements for the workshop. Mr Armand Bam was required to provide the practical coaching sessions as well as materials in support of the presentations.
The Executive committee in supporting the initiative and the strengthening of the relationship between LOFOB and GAB approved the attendance of Mr Bam.
OBJECTIVES OF REPORT
The objectives of this report is therefore to:
Describe the events of the workshop. Draw conclusions on the current state of GAB’s sports programme. Make recommendations on the strategies GAB should include in its planning.
1.4 LIMITATIONS AND SCOPE OF WORKSHOP
Although various factors have contributed to the lack of sport and recreation opportunities for blind persons in Ghana this opportunity was used to stimulate a greater interest in the value that sport can contribute to the lives of blind individuals. Only three sports were covered during the week, allowing sufficient time for skill development training as well as playing time. The accessibility to playing venues and the fact that various sporting codes have to use the same venues caused delays at times to the start of events.
Only five of the ten regions in Ghana were able to attend the workshop. Only four coaches were able to attend, all coaches were males. Only six women were able to attend and participate as participants. The main contributing factor here is assumed to be the funding costs associated with hosting a workshop of this nature. GAB contributed all its resources that were available to ensure the workshop ran smoothly. LOFOB contributed pre-funding of additional sports equipment, which is not readily available in Ghana at the request of GAB.
Once again this project was fully supported by the LOFOB executive committee. Mr Armand Bam conducted the workshop with the assistance. Participants were expected to participate in all the practical sessions. The practical sessions took place on the handball court; volley ball court and athletics field at the Legon University, Accra. The futsal session at Akropong School for the blind was played on a gravel surface.
Due to the lack of suitable equipment (futsal balls), LOFOB has passed on one of its futsal balls to GAB. The lack of sideboards for a futsal game required adaptation with coaches being employed as verbal barriers. The lack of smooth playing surfaces for goal ball does not always ensure the most appropriate defensive techniques can be employed.
Akropong School for the Blind with its limited resources have now made use of a soccer ball covered in plastic to create an audible sound to follow. A futsal ball was also passed on to the head of the physical education for the school. Goal posts are made up of bricks stacked in a pile.
The workshop’s main focus remained the introduction of sport for the blind and the orientation and communication requirements for blind athletes to ensure a safe playing environment.
1.5 PLAN OF DEVELOPMENT
The report begins with a brief description of the methodology of the workshop. An organisational and presenter profile is highlighted before commentary on the outcomes of individual aspects of the workshop is delivered. The conclusions are drawn from certain aspects of the programme. Recommendations are based on the conclusions.
2. ORGANISATION AND PRESENTER PROFILE
The Ghana Association of the Blind (GAB) 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.
The League of Friends of the Blind (LOFOB) is a registered welfare and fundraising organisation, and registered Non-Profit Organisation (NPO) and Public-Benefit Organisation (PBO). LOFOB provides a wide range of independence development services to blind and visually impaired adults and children. The three main service areas are Independence Development Services, Early Childhood Development and Wellness- Sport and Recreation.
Armand Bam, the Manager of the Wellness Programme- Sports and Recreation of the League of Friends of the Blind, Cape Town, South Africa, presented 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 registered member of the Health Professionals Council of South Africa.
He is currently studying towards his Masters in Philosophy (Disability Studies)
3. METHODOLOGY OF THE WORKSHOP
3.1 INVITATION
The Director of GAB, Mr Peter Obeng-Asamoa sent a formal invitation to present the workshop to the Manager of the Wellness Programme of The League of Friends of the Blind. This invitation was duly accepted.
3.2 PROGRAMME OUTLINE
The programme was launched with an official opening ceremony held on the 5th of February and was attended by various dignitaries’ and invited guests.
Administrator Alex Tetteh, Ghana Society of the Blind, chaired the session. Other dignitaries’ included the Chairman for the National Paralympic Committee/ Association of Sports for the Disabled, Rev. Nii Adjah Kofi, the Executive Director of Ghana Society for the Blind, Mr. James Sambian, Advocacy Officer for the Ghana Federation of the Disabled, Ms. Mbojo, and the musical interlude was provided by Mr. Kodua Achampong, member of GAB. Mr. A Bam delivered a message from the Executive Director attached to this report as Annexure A.
TV3 and the Ghana News Agency did Media coverage of the event.
The practical component of the workshop was run from the 5th-9th February. The workshop focused on the sport specific training methods, and skill development for the visually impaired and blind players and coaches in the three identified sports namely athletics, goal ball and futsal. The action plan discussions took place on the last day of the workshop.
3.3 PRACTICAL INTERVENTION
The athletics practical sessions took place on the athletics and hockey field at the Legon University, Accra. The coaches and players were introduced to a number of coaching drills and techniques to assist with future coaching of athletes. The goal ball practice took place on the volleyball court, while the futsal training took place on the handball court. All sessions started with the basic orientation and safety techniques required to participate in the activity. Coaches were given the opportunity to explore the methods of orientation with blind individuals.
Once orientation and communication skills were taught, the players and coaches were taught the natural progressions of specific skills required to participate in the activities. Skills such as running techniques for athletics, rolling (attacking) and defensive techniques for goal ball, passing, dribbling and tackling skills for futsal.
All sessions allowed for actual playing time as well as feedback and questions at the end of the sessions from the participants.
4. THE RESULTS OF THE WORKSHOP
The workshop has given both players and coaches across 5 regions in Accra an overview of the requirements of the three identified activities. The four coaches from across Ghana will now be utilised to provide further training for those regions that did not have a coaching representative.
Twenty-six participants took part in all the sessions, 19 men and 7 women. As a result of LOFOB’s support through offering pre-financing for the required equipment players were able to utilise the necessary equipment. Akropong School for the Blind received a futsal ball to assist with the development of the game in the school. GAB has managed to establish regional action plans from the active participants in the respective regions.
The broader outcomes of the workshop are listed as follows:
Coaches were trained in basic coaching skills for athletics, goal ball and futsal. Players were taught playing skills for athletics, goal ball and futsal. Players got practical experience of athletics, goal ball and futsal games. Practical experience for coaches to officiate in a game situation. Exchange of sporting equipment. Introducing children of Akropong School for the Blind to futsal Development of regional action plans of GAB affiliates
5. CONCLUSIONS
The conclusions are based on the workshop as a whole and discussions around development of sport and recreational activities in Ghana. GAB continues to make steady progress with its sports development programme.
The following points have been highlighted:
Blind sports infrastructure is not yet well established in Ghana. A well functioning sports infrastructure should make it easier for coaches and players to access the organised sports arena. GAB has a wealth of talented players and coaches. This was demonstrated through the manner in which skills were quickly acquired. GAB requires assistance from external sources to ensure adequate resources are made available to promote all sporting activities. No sports venues solely dedicated for the use of blind and partially sighted persons are currently available in Ghana. Insufficient support from disabled sport governing bodies in terms of promoting blind sports continues. Transport remains a major barrier to participation in regular activity.
6. RECOMMENDATIONS
The following recommendations were based on the conclusions drawn:
GAB determines a database of persons who want to actively participate in recreational activities across all its regions. GAB explores activities other than mainstream sport to include in its programmes (theatre, watching live games etc) GAB develops a programme for recruiting and further training of local coaches. Develop a media and awareness strategy to promote the activities that take place. Advocate for the improvement of sport facilities and opportunities making them more accessible to the blind. Removing obstacles to participation through greater education of the public and participants Provide incentives for involvement in sport at a regional level and as well as district level Develop small recreation focus groups within each district, creating walking or exercise groups. Promote sport events and competitions at all levels Identify and develop a core group of athletes (males and females) who would represent Ghana at an elite level. Include integration into mainstream sporting activities as a focus area of its planning Seek sponsorship towards the development and administration of the sporting structures within GAB. GAB develops a proposal for a full futsal course to be presented by IBSA.
Annexure A
MESSAGE FROM THE EXECUTIVE DIRECTOR OF LOFOB
2008-02-05
Dear comrades
The League of Friends of the Blind in Cape Town, South Africa is indeed pleased to be involved in the development of visually impaired sports people. We value the opportunity to build partnerships on our motherland, Africa. It is our privilege to share our expertise and knowledge with you and it is thus without hesitation that the board of LOFOB agreed to let Armand come to Ghana. I send you the very warmest comradely greetings from the president, members and staff of LOFOB.
We at LOFOB believe that through sport people can learn so much. Sport offers an opportunity to build team spirit and offers opportunities to compliment each other’s skills and strengths. In fact, sport teaches us all the value of interdependency because for a team to be successful, all must work together. The same lesson applies to life. In the words of one of the greatest freedom fighters, Martin Luther King: “All life is interrelated. We are all caught in an inescapable network of mutuality, tied into a single garment of destiny. Whatever affects one directly, affects all indirectly. We are made to live together because of the interrelated structure of reality”.
That is also our motivation for embracing our friends from Ghana. We have a common purpose and a common destiny. We need each other to change what it means to be blind.
With warmest greetings
PHILIP M BAM
EXECUTIVE DIRECTOR OF LOFOB
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