Blind football field inaugurated in Argentina

The first football 5-a-side field with official dimensions was inaugurated at the High Performance National Training Centre in the Argentinian capital city of Buenos Aires, on 1 December.

Argentina’s national football 5-a-side team, who won bronze at the Rio 2016 Paralympic Games, performed an exhibition together with the national junior and female football 5 teams, and the country’s able-bodied football 5 world champion team.

The Argentinian blind football players who won the world title in 2006 also took part in the event.

“It is a landmark in the history of blind football in the country, a very important moment in the sport’s history for which we have worked very hard,” said national team head coach Martin Demonte.

“The field is very well done. This is a huge step forward and proof that we have the support we need from the state. It is very emotional for me and for all those who have been working in the sport for years.

“We can organise any official event now.”

Argentinian Federation for the Blind (FADeC) President Domingo Latela also shared his excitement. “It is a great joy to be here at the new stadium. Our players earned it and we finally have it,” he said.

National Secretary of Sports Javier Mac Allister added: “We are very happy because it is a team’s achievement.”