Bringing Blind Sports to Ghana

More about Bringing Blind Sports to Ghana

In Ghana blind or partially sighted people are discriminated against due to negative perceptions towards people with disabilities. The blind are often kept at home as their families wishes to offer them protection. Ghana Association of the Blind (GAB) wants to change this perception by proving to communities that visually impaired people can live active lives.

GAB has therefore recently established a Sports and Recreational Wing to introduce blind sports to its members. In the short time since its inauguration the Wing has established sports branches in all of the ten regions of Ghana, where blind people meet and organise sporting activities with a continuously growing membership. Goal ball, athletics and recently showdown have already been introduced with great success ensuring that blind people interact with their peers and break down the feeling of isolation.

A sense of balance and good coordination is key for blind people who want to move about independently and it builds the confidence of the participants. The Wing’s aim is not only to give blind men and women the opportunity to do sports. As communities are witnessing blind people actively engaging in sports they become increasingly aware of the capabilities of the blind.