Fifty visually impaired players from three regions, namely Ohangwena, Oshana and Khomas, launched the first-ever blind football tournament at the Football for Hope Centre in Katutura this weekend. Blind football revolves around a game played by five individuals on each side. The players have to wear blindfolds and only the goalkeeper can be fully sighted to ensure fair competition. The game is being played with a ball with bells that make a rattling sound when moved and with a low bounce so that the players are able to hear it. The rules stipulate that one may not tackle and that each match lasts for two periods of twenty minutes with a ten minute break inbetween. The aim of the tournament this weekend was to raise awareness of the plight and abilities of blind people. NBC spoke to the Commissioner of Disability Sports Niklaus Nghumono about the initiative. "A new sport is born in Namibia, we are starting with blind Soccer. We are going to take it to all 14 regions and we are requesting parent when they are approached to release their children to be part and parcel of the new development" Nghumono said. The team also spoke to some of the players from different regions and the spectators to tell us about their impressions of the new game. S-b …Tuhafeni Shigwedha "It's a nice game, many people think that people who can’t see can’t play. Let them come and see here" Tuhafeni Shigwedha said. "It was a nice. I come to support, so I’m happy" Justine Ugwanga said. "The math that we play now, is good and was nice to watch" said Jacob Namupolo. Blind football is being recognised at the Paralympics. The finals were played between Khomas A and Ohangwena region, with Khomas winning the encounter.