Diaspora News of Wednesday, 15 June 2011

Source: Organizing Committee - Ngozi

Third Annual Baffour Charity Soccer Tournament in Woodbridge, Virginia

We are excited to announce to you the 3rd Annual Baffour Charity Soccer Tournament which will be held at the Veterans Park in Woodbridge, Virginia on Saturday, June 25, 2011. This noble charity annual event is organized every year in the Washington DC metro area purposely to raise funds to support Baffour in the spirit of goodwill to facilitate his independent living.

Our past tournaments have been a great success and were widely attended by various community clubs, organizations, churches and the wide African community members residing in the DC, Maryland and Virginia metropolitan area as well as out of state football teams. It also served as a great platform for the African communities in the area to socialize, bond and network. People were thrilled with the atmosphere, chatting with Baffour and his family. Behind the scenes was also quality sound, BBQ, dancing and cheering with “Jama” by the supporters of the participating teams. This year’s event will include festive activities for both adults and children, such as, table tennis, oware, draft/dame, chess etc. BBQ, water, drinks and many other refreshments would be available at the field. They would be sold at a minimum of one dollar each as a means of raising funds for Baffour. Special note: the one and only “renowned Metro Griller”, BABA would be behind the grill. We encourage everyone to make special donations to help realize this year’s goal of $10, 000.00. Proceeds from this tournament would be donated to Baffour as always to enable him meet his medical and living expenses. The future goal is to raise enough money and resources to benefit not only Baffour but Africans in the Diaspora who find themselves in similar situations. Stockholm Villa FC emerged as champions from last year’s tournament. They went to the finals with Freetown Stars from Sierra Leone and won with a penalty shootout after a 1-1 draw full time game.

Bafour is a young gentleman of 33 years. He was involved in a car accident one fateful morning on January 31, 2006, while on his way from work. He suffered severe injuries to his spinal cord, which has left him permanently paralyzed from the waist down. Due to reasons beyond his control, he barely qualifies for any United States Government assistance, which all handicapped citizens are typically eligible. This unfortunate life-changing situation has impeded his ability to do any work as he used to do, which means he has no income coming in to him, no medical insurance coverage. Life for him has been very difficult until now. Through the help of loved ones and events like this, a smile has been put back on his face and he is going through life a more cheerful person.

NGOZI Foundation in collaboration with Friends of Baffour, The DMV Chapter of KNUST Alumni and AKWAABA RADIO have been main organizers and sponsors of this noble event. Other sponsors for this year’s event include Autosol International, Ted Designs, Afrikan Posts Newspaper and Dale City United under the leadership of Mr. Stephen Afriyie. Additional sponsors are welcome to enable this event grow to become the greatest soccer event for African communities. NGOZI is a non-profit organization based in Northern Virginia, USA. Ngozi partners with other event management companies, promoters and sponsors to organize charity events to raise funds to pursue their cause.

To know more about Baffour, also known as John Oduro, please visit www.Friendsofbaffour.com. On FACEBOOK, please search for FRIENDS OF BAFFOUR. For information on team registration and event participation, please call any of the following numbers: 571-242-9795, 703-477-9421, 571-226-7044 Event Details:

Date: June 25,2011: Time: 8am – 5pm Venue: Veterans Memorial Park Address: 14300 Featherstone Road Woodbridge, VA 22191

Source: Organizing Committee - Ngozi