International Federation of Skate Soccer, a leading non-governmental organization dedicated to the development of the physically challenged members of the society says the soccer is organising an international match for Ghana and Nigeria to be held in Accra on 19th March 2017.
The move, according to Mr Venu Babu of Interworld Products Ghana Ltd, distributors of Binatone products, is to unearth talent and create awareness about the lesser known sport.
“The most appealing thing about this sport is the incredible talent that the players bring on the platform. They are able to overcome their challenges to play a sport that would leave spectators on the edge of their seats”.
The sport is played by physically challenged individuals especially polio survivors, he explained.
“In this game, polio survivors sit on a slightly larger skateboard and play association football at socceroos. The ball is controlled by their hands and the rules are very similar to regular association football”. “This sport has already generated quite a bit of interest. A year ago, friendly games were played on a weekly basis, on a smaller scale. At that point, Binatone collaborated with the organizers and supported the game for a year to train the players and build the teams”, International Federation of Skate Soccer stated Mr Babu.
Since the beginning of this year, the sport has been taken to a whole new level. By planning and implementing a Skate Soccer Fiesta between Accra Giants and Ashanti Warriors, we were able to show the public the true potential of the sport and the response was phenomenal.
“We had over 3000 people come by to watch the game and the audience were as involved and excited as we hoped”.
He added that the plan was more than just the Skate Soccer. A wooden platform was built on top of the sand, which was used as the playing area and had the sponsors banners place around it.
As the players were getting ready, there were dance and acrobatic performances to keep the audience entertained.
“Finally, we moved on to the main event, which was a 5-a-side game between Accra Giants and Ashanti Warriors. The game lasted 60 minutes which ended in a 4-4 scoreline.
Ashanti Warriors won the game on penalties and celebrated winning the first Skate Soccer Fiesta. Awards were presented to players that performed outstandingly and the main trophy was presented to the Ashanti Warriors team”, Mr Badu said.
Instructively, International Federation of Skate Soccer is concerned about the polio victims who dangerously beg for alms on the streets using locally made skateboards. The Federation wants to do whatever can be done to better their living conditions.
With Skate Soccer, we are able to make create an environment by which it will be easier to better their living conditions. We are dedicated to providing these physically challenged individuals a platform to showcase their amazing talents.
These events will definitely have a positive impact on them and in turn better their living conditions by getting them off the streets. Together we can make a big change in these individuals’ lives.
The federation’s goals
All its event and activities lead to a set of goals that we are working hard to achieve. The goals we always like to keep in mind are:
- To promote the activities of the physically challenged members of society and popularize the game by making it seen and more appreciated by the citizens, sponsors, companies and tourists.
- The Government alone cannot do it all and thus to attempt to raise some funds through sponsorship from corporate organizations We also hope to possibly set up some enterprises for those willing to venture into productive businesses and also provide trading capital for others who want to trade. These initiatives may potentially assist them to leave the streets and desist from begging and be integrated into normal society. This eventually will make them self-reliant.
- To make the game well known throughout Africa and beyond and with possible state funding to register with recognized Sports Associations.
African Eye Report
