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WESTERN PROVINCE WINS NATIONAL BLIND CRICKET TOURNAMENT
The Western Province Blind Cricket team ended the National Blind Cricket Tournament successfully, taking away the Blind Cricket SA - LOFOB T20 Trophy. In second place is Boland and in third place Free State who were the winners at the 2008 Tournament. Seven regions participated.
Western Province players also earned the top accolades of the tournament with Western Province captain Jermaine Collins being crowned player of the tournament and Joshua Doman WP Vice-captain earning the top batsman position. Jermaine Collins scored one hundred runs in the first innings against Limpopo with Western Province ending on 255 for 0 in the allotted 20 overs. Sonwabile Makasi received the accolade for the top bowler of the tournament. Both Joshua Doman and Jermaine Collins plays locally for the LOFOB Cricket Club.
Some of the schedules matches had to be called off due to inclement weather but the blind players still enjoyed ample opportunity to display their skills. The national team will be announced tonight 5 April 2010.
Blind Cricket has taken off in the last few years after experiencing a slump and it is indeed heart-warming to see the talent and enthusiasm of blind people as they explore new avenues of recreation. Sport for the blind plays an important role in the further development of independence for blind persons. The positive and uplifting experience of participating in competitive sport is immeasurable.
The Western Province team arrives in Cape Town on Tuesday, 6 April 2010 at 15:10 on flight SA337.
For more information about the tournament contact the National Co-ordinator
and Tournament Convenor, Mr Armand Bam on 0716330699.
MEDIA RELEASE 7 DECEMBER 2008
BLIND CRICKET SOUTH AFRICA T20 TOURNAMENT ENDS
There is jubilation amongst the blind community of the Free State as the news spread that Free State won the BLIND CRICKET SA T20 NATIONAL CRICKET TOURNAMENT and carried high the LOFOB T20 FLOATING TROPHY and proudly displayed their gold medals. Free State played Boland on Saturday 6 December 2008 in the final at Somerset West Cricket Club. The defending champs, Boland took silver in second place and Western Province bronze in third place.
Paralympian, Hilton Langenhoven took gold again for the best batting score of 103 not out. The best bowler of the tournament was Francois Neethling from Northerns (Gauteng) and Player of the tournament went to Michael da Silva of Central Gauteng.
For more information contact Philip Bam on 0836583885; or Adv Alan Small, BCSA President on 0833840474 or Armand Bam, National Coordinator on 0834330937.
MEDIA RELEASE - BLIND CRICKET SOUTH AFRICA DECEMBER 2008
BLIND CRICKET NATIONAL TOURNAMENT REACHES SEMI-FINALS
Blind Cricket in South Africa is up and running with renewed enthusiasm generated by an interesting week of blind cricket in Cape Town. Eight regions competed in the BCSA T20 NATIONAL TOURNAMENT held at the Somerset West Cricket Club grounds in Lourensford Road, Somerset West.
More than 100 visually impaired cricketers demonstrated their skill in bowling, batting, wicket-keeping to vie for the BCSA T20 LOFOB FLOATING TROPHY and gold, silver and bronze medals.
Demonstrating its belief in serving all sectors of the community including disabled people, the City of Cape Town’s Sport and Recreation Department very generously sponsored the event together with The League of Friends of the Blind[LOFOB] with Somerset West Cricket Club making its venue available. This partnership has helped to give new life to cricket for blind people in South Africa and will certainly help to change what it means to be blind.
In Group 1, the top position was taken by Free State with Boland in second place; Northerns (Gauteng) in 3rd and KZN in 4th place. Group 2 produced Amathole/Border as the top team with Western Province in second place; Central Gauteng 3rd and Northern Cape in 4th position.
Today’s semi-finals will be between Free State and Western Province at 10:00 and Amathole/Border will face up to Boland in the second semi-final to be played at 14:00 on Field 1.
The play-off for seeding will be between Central Gauteng and Northerns at 10:00 and Northern Cape vs KZN at 14:00 on Field 2.
The finals will take place on Saturday 6 December at 14:00 with 3rd place play-off at 10:00. Prize-giving is expected at 18:00 at the Somerset West Cricket Club.
For more information contact Philip Bam on 0836583885; or Adv Alan Small, BCSA President on 0833840474 or Armand Bam, National Coordinator on 0834330937. Details can also be found on the LOFOB website www.lofob.org.za, (click on T20 Tournament).
MEDIA RELEASE 13 NOVEMBER 2008
SOCCER CHALLENGE IN SOLIDARITY WITH BLIND PEOPLE
Blind people will show their soccer skills in a demonstration of “Blind Soccer”(Futsal) at the LOFOB Soccer Challenge to be held on Sunday 16 November 2008 at the Wynberg Sports Club in Rosmead Avenue, Wynberg. Sixteen(16) teams of sighted people will participate in the tournament to promote interaction with blind people. Players from the Santos soccer team will be in attendance to encourage participants. The tournament will run from 09:30 to 18:00 with various entertainment events for the whole family. A blind Hip Hop dancer will also perform. Winning teams will be rewarded with interesting prizes. The winning sighted team will be blind-folded and play against the LOFOB blind team.
The prize–giving and closing ceremony will take place at 17:15.
The League of Friends of the Blind [LOFOB] places great value on sport for visually impaired and promotes integration and interaction within the main stream activities of society. As part of its wellness programme LOFOB offers a gym, outings, goal ball, cricket for the blind and a cultural activities to augment its independence development programme for blind people. More information about LOFOB’s services can be seen on the website.
The event is sponsored by Oasis Group Holdings and managed by Fusion Events. For more information, please contact Madeleen Coetzee on 084–279–7802
ISSUED BY:
HEIDI VOLKWIJN, PRO: THE LEAGUE OF FRIENDS OF THE BLIND
MEDIA RELEASE 10 NOVEMBER 2008
THE GIVER IS DOUBLY BLESSED
The wise saying “the giver is doubly blessed” was vividly demonstrated at the World Sight Day prize-giving ceremony when one of the participating schools in LOFOB’s Eye care awareness colour-in competition, won a photo copy machine valued at over sixty thousand rand in a draw at the League of Friends of the Blind’s centre on Monday, 10 November.
The ceremony was a culmination of LOFOB’s Eye Care Awareness and World Sight Day programmes which took place in October 2008. Ten thousand two hundred (10200) learners from 36 primary schools entered this unique competition. These learners were blindfolded and requested to colour-in a picture of a Care Bear with a tactile outline.
“I was scared”; “I didn’t know what to do”; “after this experience I will always show my respect for the blind”, were only a few of the expressions uttered from lips of learners when taking the blind-fold off after having coloured in. It was with great joy that LOFOB’s Executive Director, Philip Bam, handed fantastic prizes which included a desk top computer, a Toys R Us voucher along with an excursion and class party at the Aquarium as well as a Nintendo Wii, to three winning learners.
Philip Bam, in thanking the participants, - those who donated prizes, primary school learner participants and high school learners who did the raised outlines, said: ” this project is one of empowerment because each child donated R5.00 to participate and their participation helped one of our community schools to be resourced with a state of the art photo copier donated by Canon. All prizes were donated. This is how each one helps the other while learning about LOFOB and blind people. In this project the giver also receives. ”
Prizes were donated by Hiraj Travel, K & Y Consulting and Bham, Tayob and Khan, Quantity Surveyors.
For more information contact LOFOB Executive Director, Philip Bam on 0217053753 or 0836583885
Issued by: Heidi Volkwijn, LOFOB Public Relations Officer
MEDIA RELEASE: 2008-11-03
A BLIND EXPERIENCE
The world around 11 year old Jane was turned upside down as she put on her blindfold during The League of Friends of the Blind[LOFOB]’s eye care awareness programme on World Sight Day. Jane is one of 10 000 learners who participated in the event to create a better understanding of the world of the blind and visually impaired person. Learners at various schools were asked to colour in a LOFOB CARE BEAR under blindfold. “ It’s awesome”; “It’s scary”; “now I understand what a blind child must go through”; were some of the expressions uttered in amazement as learners removed blindfolds and viewed the results of their moment of darkness.
A prize giving ceremony will be held at LOFOB, crn First and Klip Roads, Grassy Park on Monday 10 November at 11:30 where the competition winners will receive prizes such as a computer; a Nintendo WII; vouchers; a class outing to the Aquarium and where one of the schools stand to win a mystery prize in a draw.
Tips about how to take care of their eyes to prevent blindness formed part of the programme as LOFOB staff visited schools. LOFOB Executive Director, Philip Bam demonstrated the importance of prevention of injury to the eyes as he showed children to always carry sharp objects such as pencils, scissors and knives with the sharp edge pointing downwards; washing hands regularly and not to touch the face with unwashed hands; and also stressed the importance of healthy eating habits, especially in view of the fact that diabetes is a major cause of blindness.
Besides its services to adult blind people, LOFOB provides Early Childhood Development services including a pre-school to toddlers up to the age of 6years. This programme includes home-based intervention and parent guidance from the earliest possible stage. LOFOB is an NPO dependent on the generosity of the community as all its life-changing services are offered free of charge. More information about LOFOB’s programmes can be obtained from Benita Petersen, Manager of LOFOB’s Independence Development Services on 021 7053753. For more detailed information on the World Sight Day awareness programme, LOFOB’s PRO , Heidi Volkwijn may be contacted.
Media representatives are invited to attend the prize giving ceremony on 10 November at LOFOB at 11:30 where the completed Care Bears will be on display. [END]
ISSUED BY:
PHILIP M BAM
SIGHT RESTORATION OFFER
Help is at hand for people with cataracts. LOFOB is pleased to announce that it is able to assist indigent people to have cataract operations done. Limited resources will allow us to help a few people only, but it will nevertheless be a major contribution to the quality of life of those whose functioning is impaired through cataracts. Some people lose sight completely as a result of cataracts and there might be a possibility to restore sight in such cases. Cataract operations can also prevent blindness and we would urge people with cataracts to contact LOFOB immediately.
LOFOB offers a wide range of services to blind adults, toddlers and their parents and believe that the community should be proactive in preventing blindness. We recommend regular eye checks and call upon the health authorities to bring services closer to the people.
Whilst LOFOB provides high quality services to blind people in the quest to change what it means to be blind, every instance where we can reverse or prevent blindness will be a major contribution to the wellness of our society.
People in need of cataract surgery can contact Mrs Benita Petersen, the manager of LOFOB’s independence service on 0217053753. LOFOB would welcome any financial contribution towards this restoration of sight programme. For more information call Heidi Volkwijn at 0217053753 or e-mail LOFOB at info@lofob.org.za
MEDIA RELEASE- 13 MARCH 2008
OPENING THE DOORS TO INFORMATION FOR BLIND PEOPLE
199 years ago, a child was born that would open up the world of communication to blind people. The young Louis Braille, after being blinded in an accident in his father’s workshop, invented a coded system of writing that would allow blind people to have access to information which the rest of the world takes for granted. The six-dot Braille code has opened up life opportunities for many blind people who are now leaders on the world stage. The League of Friends of the Blind[LOFOB], in Grassy Park Cape Town is contributing to this empowerment by teaching newly blinded adults how to read and write Braille as part of its Independence Development Programme.
From 10 -19 March, 5 blind people trained by LOFOB, will be doing the Elementary Braille examination, one in Afrikaans and four in English Braille. The externally set and marked exam, written between 09:30 and 14:00 daily, requires the blind person to transcribe an article into uncontracted Braille. Last year all LOFOB trainees passed the elementary Braille Examination which is an indication of the quality of training provided at LOFOB.
LOFOB receives on average 30 new referrals of newly blinded adults every month. The cause of visual impairment ranges from trauma (ie. gunshot wounds), medical conditions (eg. diabetic retinopathy), and can be congenital. LOFOB has impacted on the lives of over 6000 blind and partially sighted people who have received services in one form or another. The rehabilitation service offers development of Communication Skills (Braille and typing); Personal Management skills (Personal Care; Hygiene); Home Management Skills; Life Management Skills (Social skills, self-esteem, problem solving and conflict resolution techniques) and includes promotion of sport and recreation. The programme is designed to enhance the functional ability of visually impaired persons within their communities. It seeks to link visually impaired people to appropriate resources and promote full integration and participation as active members of society.
LOFOB will be engaging the City Library services on the issue of accessibility for visually-impaired persons.
A FIRST FOR SOUTH AFRICA- FUTSAL COACHING WORKSHOP
A first for South Africa and in the blindness sector happened when LOFOB held a FUTSAL coaching workshop in January this year. With the clearly identified lack of resources and access to information with regards to Futsal(Five-a-side soccer)for the blind and visually impaired in the Western Cape and South Africa, LOFOB undertook to host the first Futsal Workshop in Southern Africa presented by Mr Carlos Campos, chairman of the Futsal subcommittee, for the International Blind Sports Federation[IBSA].
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The theoretical part of the workshop was held at the LOFOB Centre in Grassy Park and the practical training in the parking lot of the Ottery Hypermarket. Potential coaches included visually impaired sports people and sports, recreation officers of the City of Cape Town and the Athlone School for the Blind as well as the provincial department of Culture and sports. The 42 participants left with a desire to promote the sport and ensure introduction in the local communities where visually impaired people will be incorporated in sports activities offered by the local council. Coaches and players are now more knowledgeable having been equipped with an understanding of the impact of blindness and visual impairments when training for Futsal. They have a better understanding of the rules of the game, knowledge of training methods and techniques.
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The identified need to involve blind and visually impaired persons more actively in structured sport, recreation and leisure time activities within South Africa and the lack of knowledge and resources for Futsal in Africa and specifically South Africa informed LOFOB’s decision to urge IBSA to come to South Africa to present a workshop. The request was met with enthusiasm from Mr Campos and he recognised the opportunity to be important with regards to the growth of the game in Africa. LOFOB believed that it’s expertise and resources could be shared with participants to allow them to be able to transfer some of the practices to better manage their current programmes and the growth of the Futsal.
Futsal balls were distributed to the three main teams representing sport for the blind in the Western Cape. Efforts are being encouraged to establish Futsal clubs in all the provinces with a proper league structure to ensure the best soccer players are selected to represent South Africa. Futsal opens a new and interesting avenue for blind people to demonstrate excellence in sport. LOFOB’s expertise is available to assist blind people to develop and mange their own sporting structures.
MEDIA RELEASE BY LOFOB – 18 January 2008
SOCCER FOR THE BLIND
A first for South Africa will be happening at the League of Friends of the Blind [LOFOB] in Grassy Park, Cape Town. LOFOB will be hosting a FUTSAL (five-a-side Soccer) coaching workshop from 25 -27 January 2008. This workshop will be presented by a Spanish coach through the good offices of the International Sports for the Blind Federation(IBSA). Training sessions for the potential coaches which will include visually–impaired people will kick-off on Friday afternoon 25th January at the LOFOB Centre, in First Road, Grassy Park ending with a practical session on the parking area of the Ottery Hypermarket on Sunday 27 January 2008 from 08:00-14:00. The public is welcome to watch this practical session.
This is part of LOFOB’s initiative to encourage wellness in blind people. LOFOB has an active wellness programme, which includes sports such as cricket for the blind and goal ball. Every weekend LOFOB vehicles traverse the Cape Flats to bring people to sporting practices and events. LOFOB also operates a fitness gym for blind people and already we have seen progress in the condition of people. The programme seeks to encourage integration and therefore LOFOB engaged the City of Cape Town’s sports development section to incorporate blind people in its local community sports and recreation programmes. More information about LOFOB can be found on the website www.lofob.org.za
FUTSAL, or football for the blind will bring a new dimension to sports for blind people. LOFOB is pleased to be leading the process to enhance this sport and open new avenues for blind people. This event is only one of many to celebrate LOFOB’s 75th Anniversary in 2008.
Further information can be obtained from Armand, LOFOB’s wellness manager on 0834330937 or Philip M Bam , LOFOB’s Executive Director on 0836583885 or 0217053753
ISSUED by:
Philip M Bam
EXECUTIVE DIRECTOR
MEDIA RELEASE - LOFOB AGM
Executive committee of LOFOB. Back row from L - R Mr E M James (Immediate Past President); Mr Philip Bam (Executive Director); Mr Leslie Martin (President); Mr Ike Arendse and Mr Richard Arends (Treasurer) Front Row L - R Rev FW Farmer; Mr V G Adonis; Mrs A Jacobs and Mr B Kleinsmith.
Violence is a major cause of blindness in adults asserted Philip Bam, Executive Director of The League of Friends of the Blind[LOFOB] at its AGM held on Thursday 27 July 2006. He said that out of the 200 adults referred to LOFOB, gunshots were indicated in at least 5% as the cause of blindness. He appealed to the community to develop conflict handling skills and to avoid the tendency to resort to violence. This call comes in the wake of the recent family killings by gun.
LOFOB's support service to children in mainstream schools was highlighted by a presentation by a parent of a child at one of our Cape Town schools. LOFOB offered awareness training to the entire class and is training the parent to read and write Braille. Another parent spoke about how her multi-disabled child improved her functioning through LOFOB's Early Childhood Development Programme. LOFOB's ECD service to blind toddlers will be enhanced this year in a partnership agreement with the Perkins School for the Blind in the USA. The support will include staff training and the provision of equipment.
LOFOB elected a new President, Mr Leslie Martin who is himself visually impaired. Mr Martin is a CCMA commissioner and has been blind since the age of 17. He hopes to bring his philosophies on disability to bear on the service provided by LOFOB.
DOORS OPENED FOR UNEMPLOYED MATRICULANTS
The League of Friends of the Blind (LOFOB) will be hosting a Certificate Ceremony on Friday, 30 June 2006 for eighteen students who have successfully completed an Eye Care Training programme offered by LOFOB in collaboration with the Department of Health.
Unemployed matriculants with school subjects of science and mathematics or biology and mathematics had been recruited and selected as field workers for this programme. The programme was funded through the government’s social capital programme.
LOFOB presented courses in Orientation and Mobility and basic Skills of Daily Living. The Department of Health presented courses in vision screening and understanding the eye. The successful completion of the course enables the CHW to identify people with low vision and do the appropriate referrals. The candidates have shown dedication, commitment and perseverance, which will now enable them to serve their communities.
The collaboration between the Health Department and LOFOB enabled career pathing for three of the candidates. One is currently undergoing training as an Orientation and Mobility Instructor in Johannesburg; one is employed at LOFOB as a craft instructor and another is employed at one of the Cape Town hospitals.
This training will open doors to further opportunities for the successful trainees. They have knowledge and skill that can be utilised in both the eye care and rehabilitation sectors.
The MEC for Health in the Western Cape is expected to attend this ceremony.
MEDIA RELEASE
10 APRIL 2005.
In a festive ceremony LOFOB celebrated the work with blind people of 75 year old Lilian Arendse at a ceremony on Sunday the 10TH April 2005.Mrs Arendse has been involved with LOFOB for 51 years as a volunteer. She has served the Grassy Park local committee of LOFOB in various capacities bringing winter comfort and Christmas cheer to many people. Her unselfish sterling work was recognised and LOFOB nominated her for the South African National Council for the Blind ‘s 75th Anniversary Award.
LOFOB’s executive director, Mr Philip M Bam, presented Ms Arendse with a gold medal on behalf of the SANCB at a ceremony with friends and family at the LOFOB Centre.
“ Service to humanity in being our brother’s keepers with the Hallmark of the community of Ms Arendse’s age”
Mr Bam has made a passionate plea to the community to revert back to those values of service to others, compassion and caring that once drove our community.
LOFOB continues to provide a wide range of service to people and depend on volunteers such as Ms Arendse. Any person interested in volunteering to assist blind people can call the LOFOB office.
LOFOB HONOURS STARWARD RAY OF LIGHT OF CLUB.
At a moving ceremony on Sunday the 10TH April 2005 at the LOFOB Centre a plaque in honour of the Late Sylvia Wolman was unveiled in honour of the work that she has done for blind people throughout the Western Cape.
The Late Mrs Wolman supported her husband Izzy Wolman and the Lions Club of Rondebosch in presenting entertainment once a month for over 30 years. The Lions Club and the Wolman’s arranged evenings of entertainment first at Athlone then later at Grassy Park bringing much joy into the lives of blind people.
“Presenting such entertainment evenings was not only to bring light into the life a person who is blind but it’s significance lies in the fact that the people they served came from the most disadvantaged sectors of our community. The squalor conditions they lived under and it’s bad effects of their lives were slightly ameliorated by this intervention” said Mr Bam.
Sadly time has moved on, people became older and the Ray of Light Club ceased to function. Mrs Wolman however continued her work right up to her last day on earth collecting baskets made by blind people to sell and use as gift containers for her friends. In an emotional and moving ceremony her son, Roy Wolman who left for California on Monday the 11th April 2005 unveiled her plaque in the foyer of LOFOB at the Grassy Park Centre.
It is fitting a proper that such contribution should be recognised.
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