Despite the torrential rains last Friday participants from the recently held three-day Introductory
Blind football workshop were able to showcase what they had learnt with Mariano Travaglino of
the International Blind Sport Federation (IBSA) and Lauren Asquith, Facilitor.
Comprised with representatives from participating countries such as Barbados, Jamaica, Guyana
and St. Vincent, the blended five- a-side teams were able to put out an interesting game.
Though visually impaired each player was blind folded that way persons relied solely on their
auditory senses, the voice of the coach giving instructions and listening to the rattling sound of
the football to determine its location and their next move.
Minister of Sports Charles Griffith who was in attendance said, “It’s a plus to have blind football
in Barbados. He gave the game his blessing and pledged his ministry’s support to the game along
with regular access to the playing fields for practice.”
Martin Jackman, President of the Barbados Paralympics Association and Coordinator of the
Blind Football committee said, “The Paralympic Association is to promote paralympic sports in
the region. To be introduced into blind football is one way of stimulating sporting activities
within the community. We want to introduce as many para sports as possible for persons with
physical challenges because there are not much going on for them in the areas of sports.”
Jackman added, “We want to forge a unity among national paralympic communities within the
region, to help persons with disabilities be actively involved in sports and be able to recognize
their abilities to perform like any other normal able body person.”
Gail Hunte, PRO for the Blind Football Committee said, Blind Football is an inclusive sport for
persons with disabilities. As we try to develop blind football in Barbados, we are very grateful
for all of our sponsors who have come on board to make the initiative possible and to the
participating countries who sent representatives to Barbados for the workshop and to learn the
game.”
Moving forward we will consolidate what we have learn as we look to take the game into local
and regional tournaments.