Friends of Baffour in collaboration with Dale City United (DC United) and KNUST Alumni of Washington DC Metro Chapter organized a Charity Soccer Tournament in Northern Virginia, USA to raise funds for Baffour Awuah. The event was massively patronized by people from all walks of life. Friends of Baffour group members, families and friends were present in their numbers to grace the occasion and also supported cheered and donated cash and all kinds of gifts to Baffour.

Among the teams who participated in the tournament were Dale City United (DC United) managed by Eric Lamptey and led by Stephen Afriyie, formerly of Boffoakwa United in Ghana, K-11 of KNUST Alumni of Washington DC Metro Chapter, Boyz-Boyz of Virginia Commonwealth University (VCU), Deltas Stars of Sierra Leone, Chantilly FC and Stockholm Villa of Woodbridge. DC United won the tournament by penalty kicks after a strained match between VCU Boyz-Boyz which settled on a 1-1 draw. The bronze medal was awarded to the KNUST Alumni team after winning their first game and was eliminated by the champions of the tournament, DC United through penalty kicks after 1-1 draw which placed them in the third position. The field was full of spectators with excitements and energy, singing and dancing. People were thrilled with the atmosphere, chatting with Baffour and his family. Behind the scenes was also DJ Eezee Money by the sound, BBQ, dancing and cheering with “Dzama” by the supporters of KNUST Alumni team led by Rainbow, the former Odeefoa of the University Hall. (Katanga) The most disappointing news was the losing spree by the Stockholm Villa team who were tipped by many spectators as the team with top form, with young and energetic smart players. They enumerated disarray and were frustrated after the poor showing and displeasing performance. Critiques and their entire supporters waged their tongue on the poor management of the technical bench which was run in a dictatorial style by Nana Adjei (Akoanye) who was the manager, coach, and captain as well as the striker. Kofi Oppong of DC United was voted as the Most Valuable Player (MVP) of the tournament and the Deltas of Sierra Leone was tapped for the fair play medal.

Baffour and his family witnessed the event and made the presentations of the trophies. Baffour presented the trophy to the champions, DC United. Mr. Bernard Layea, the President of KNUST Alumni of Washington DC Metro Chapter presented the silver medal to the VCU for the second position and Baffour’s mother, Ms. Margaret Baoteng made the third presentation to the KNUST Alumni team (K-11). The family was emotionally touched by the love and support that many people have shown to them. They ask of each and everyone, God’s blessing and prosperity and remind us to continue to keep them in our thoughts and prayers. They extended special appreciation to Friends of Baffour group and the organizers of the event, Anim Addo Sampong (Nafeel), Ama Serewah Acheampong, Augustine Ayamga, Kofi Sarfo, Erick Oppong, Ruby Anomah and Salormey Asare. They extended special appreciation to MR. Ibrahim Musah (IBM), Erick Lamptey and Mr. Frank Amoakohene for their exemplary roles as match officials and also to Mr. Kwaku Takyi Boateng, the commentator of the event

For more information about Baffour, Please visit Face Book and join the FRIENDS of BAFFOUR group. More interaction and correspondence among loved ones are shared over there.

You can explore the link below to see more pictures of the event. http://picasaweb.google.com/nafeel12000/BaffourCup2009# Baffour Awuah, aka Oleele is a young man of 33 years. He completed Prempeh College – Kumasi in 1997 and moved to United States in 2003. He was involved in a car accident one fateful morning in January 2006, while on his way to work, which has left him paralyzed from the waist down. Due to reasons beyond his control, Baffour does not qualify for United States Government assistance, for which all handicapped citizens are typically eligible. Due to his handicap, he has no income coming in, no medical insurance coverage and no government assistance. Life for him is very unbearable and bleak. We are pleading to the Ghanaian community, and anyone or organization, which can find it in their hearts to help lift his spirits, and make his life a little easier. We appeal to the Ghanaian Community to come to the aid of a friend. Please find it in your hearts to bless this young man with however much you can afford to contribute. With nothing at his disposal at this point in his life, Baffour will be very grateful for whatever you can afford, whether in cash or in kind.

“Friends of Baffour” is a group that has been formed by concerned friends to brainstorm on ideas, donate resources and more especially cash donations to help him to live through each day. They also schedule periodic visits to his house to keep him company. Baffour is confined to his apartment, and needs a full time caretaker. Previously, most of these services were offered voluntarily by his loved ones. We intend to set up a bank account for the donations that would be raised, for him to meet his daily needs such as food, incontinence supplies and rehabilitation programs. Baffour is in need of several items to help him get around and live to another day.

Please feel free to use any of the payment methods below to register your help.

Check should be made payable to “BAFFOUR AND FRIENDS” and mailed to: 17501 Victoria Falls drive, Dumfries, Virginia 22025

Money transfer/wiring could also be done using the following bank details:

Bank: Bank of America

Account name: FRIENDS OF BAFFOUR

Account #: 435013868671

Routing # 051000017

Zip Code: 22025

Or, go to www.paypal.com to securely send your donations: PayPal account email: baffourandfriends@gmail.com

Below is Baffour’s contact information. Please call him if you can. He likes talking to people and also making new friends.

Address: 7234 Fordson Rd, Apt 1 Alexandria, Virginia 22306

Phone: 703-768-3293

Email: rbawuah78@yahoo.com

In case you have any question or need further clarifications, please contact us on below information:

Anim Addo Sampong (Nafeel) Ph: 571-242-9795 Email: nafeel12000@yahoo.com

Ama Serwah Sampong Ph: 571-225-6686

Salomay Asare ( Sally) Ph:240-210-1965

Erick Oppong (AMANFUO, CLASS OF 87) PH:571-287-9213

Augustine Ayamga (CC) Ph: 571-226-7044

UK/Europe contact: Anita Menkah, Ph: 07985323192