CAFE has started a cooperation with the Georgian Ministry of Sport and Youth Affairs, and will launch a joint project to provide audio-descriptive commentary for blind and partially sighted people at football matches in Georgia.

At the press conference that took place on 3^rd September in Tbilisi, CAFE’s Head of Development in Eastern Europe Elena Karpukhina presented the concept of the audio-descriptive commentary to the wide audience of football leagues and federations, blind people, NGOs and the media. The concept was well received and blind people who were present at the press conference confirmed that it offers a new way to ensure inclusion of many blind and partially sighted people in Georgia, who are currently totally excluded from the social life.

After the presentation Levan Kipiani, the Minister of Sport and Youth Affairs of Georgia, announced that the Ministry will support the project at state level and ensure its further promotion to other sports and cultural events beyond football. The first game to be supported with the new service is going to be the Georgia v Germany match in March 2015. Meanwhile, dedicated volunteers will be recruited and trained to provide this dedicated commentary service.

A version of this article is also available in Ukrainian and Russian.

Published 12/09/2014