salb members can say, “i was there”

The South African Library for the Blind with the assistance of HumanWare UK has spread the soccer fever by giving fourteen SALB members the opportunity to say – I WAS THERE!

HumanWare, a UK based supplier of equipment for the blind and visually impaired, are sponsoring the tickets for 14 of SALB members and their companions to experience the Soccer World Cup first hand at the Nelson Mandela Bay Stadium.

Following a lucky draw – three Grahamstown and nine Port Elizabeth members and their companions won the opportunity to attend the England vs Slovenia game on 23 June 2010.  While one member from both Port Elizabeth and Grahamstown will attend the third and fourth place playoff game on 10 July 2010.

Grahamstown members Fikile Mshiywa, Lesley Stork and Lumkile Nzwana, were in high spirits on their way to the game and were not disappointed by the experience.   By all accounts the game was thoroughly enjoyed, as SALB ticket holders were seated in the first level of seating just to the side of the team boxes, with profession commentary being fed to them directly from the commentators’ box.

Thanks to this collaboration between the South African National Council for the Blind, the Swiss National Association for the Blind and FIFA and the assistance of the latest technology, the visually impaired were able to fully experience the FIFA Soccer World Cup 2010.  Audio description technology allows for a detailed account of the match to be heard through earphones commentated by a journalist.  This experience is a first for South African stadiums.

A big thank you to the Grahamstown businesses involved in this life time experience – JC Shuttle, loyal supporters of the Library over the years, having generously agreed to sponsor the transfer of the Grahamstown winners to Port Elizabeth and back by providing a vehicle and driver.  Also Pick ‘n Pay Peppergrove Mall for make a contribution towards the travel packs for the ticket holders.

The Library wishes to thank the sponsors who have made this experience possible and is glad the winners have embraced the opportunity afforded to them. 

Laduuuma Bafana Bafana!!!