Disadvantaged and blind people today benefitted from donations by the Asian Football Confederation at a ceremony in New Delhi. Ultra-durable footballs were donated to children from disadvantaged backgrounds, while the India Blind Team received kick boards – essential equipment for blind football which allows the visually impaired to enjoy the game.
Speaking at the event, AFC Executive Committee Member and Social Responsibility Committee Chairman Ahmed Eid S. Al Harbi said: “The AFC has always believed that football can improve the lives of children across the continent of Asia. Today we are showing that can be a reality.
“Everyone should have a chance to play football, irrespective of their background, gender, social status or ability. I am very pleased that with this donation the AFC brings the joy of football to these children and visually impaired people here in Delhi today.”
All India Football Federation (AIFF) General Secretary Kushal Das said: “The AIFF is very grateful for the AFC’s generous donation which will be most welcome for disadvantaged children, grassroots players and blind footballers in India. Football development is important at all levels, especially in a country like ours.”
One World Asia Director Stephen Sonderman said: “Through the distribution of the One World Futbol, One World Play Project is helping to grow the sport of football in Asia, making the beautiful game more accessible for youth. The One World Play Project promotes play as an essential activity for children in deprived areas. In Asia, the programme targets youth aged 6 to 18 living in disadvantaged communities across the region.”
The ultra-durable ball donation at today’s event, which was also attended by AFC Executive Committee Member and Women’s Football Committee Chairwoman Moya Dodd, is part of the AFC’s partnership with the One World Play Project. The donation totals an impressive 5,200 ultra-durable balls to the All India Football Federation. The balls will be distributed to selected schools and NGOs working with grassroots and youth football in India. The number of footballs given to a specific programme will be based on the need of the scheme in question.
Kick boards are used as a rebound wall to enable the visually impaired to play football. The AFC’s donation of ten kick boards was handed over to Director of Football of the Indian Blind Sports Association David Absolam. He said: “The donation by the AFC is a great help for us in terms of developing blind football in India. The basic requirements for blind football are kick boards, a ball and a playing field.”
The India Blind Team plays under the auspices of the Indian Blind Sports Association. The national team participated in the 2015 Asian Blind Football Championships in September in Japan.
