The Football for Hope initiative for intellectually challenged people gains ground

Report by Gloria Masanza.

People with intellectual disability now have a chance to integrate with other people, following the introduction of the FIFA football for hope initiative
 
The project is aimed at exposing the talents of the intellectually challenged people, who are usually perceived as idol and inactive.
 
Speaking at a media briefing in Blantyre, Regional coordinator for Special Olympics Malawi-SOM, George Phiri, said the programme also helps to bring the intellectually challenged people, into the larger community.
 
He said this is done under conditions where they are accepted, respected and given a chance to become productive citizens.
 
He said the Football for Hope-FFH program, which was launched last year, by the world football governing body-FIFA, is aimed at bringing together intellectually challenged people to share skills in sporting activities, especially in football.
 
He said the SOM provides people with learning disabilities, an opportunity to develop fitness and demonstrate courage as they participate in sport trainings and competitions as well as build friendships.
 
At the moment, the organisation has trained 2000 intellectually challenged athletes who are training and competing in soccer and athletics throughout the country.
 
The regional coordinator also said the Special Olympics committee has trained over fifty coaches and assistant coaches to train the athletes, so that they fully participate in body-building exercises, and not be viewed as burdens in their respective homes.
 
Phiri also announced the start of an annual football week, next week Monday, when the physically, mentally and intellectually challenged, would play together with the able bodied people.
 
The week’s objectives are to increase local competitions among the physically and mentally challenged persons, and also to intensify unified activities.
 
He said organisations of goodwill were welcome to assist the committee, which is running the annual football week, with things like, food.
 
At the end of the competition, the winners would be given medals, as Phiri said, the association does not want to encourage the aspect of monetary rewards.
 
The main event of the week, would take place at Nyambadwe primary school ground on 2nd November.