Kick-starting Malaysian goals for blind football

Sashi (second from right) presenting a mock cheque to Sunny (third from right). With them are (from left) national blind footballers Azril Che Ibrahim, Rollen Marakim and Mohd Amirul Arif Mahadhir as well as Chen.

IT STARTED as a donation for a corporate film screening of Eye On The Ball, an inspiring local film about the national blind football team which has earned glowing reviews.

But after watching the film at the gala premiere, BMW Group Malaysia corporate communication head Sashi Ambi believes it can have a greater impact across the country.

“This is a film we Malaysians really need at this moment, ” said Sashi.

“It’s a film about unity, overcoming challenges and obstacles.

“It will definitely capture the hearts of everyone in the country, and remind us all what it really means to be Malaysian.”

Eye On The Ball follows the trials and tribulations of a group of amateur, visually impaired footballers – mostly from underprivileged backgrounds – as they chase their dream of becoming professional players and representing Malaysia at the “World Cup of blind football”.

The film is produced by Star Media Group’s award-winning R.AGE team and sponsored by CIMB Foundation, with the aim of raising support to keep alive the hopes of the blind football community.

At the end of the gala premiere, Sashi presented a donation of RM10,000 to the Pan-Disability Football Club.

The club trains the national blind football team.

“The (blind footballers’) stories are very unique and truly Malaysian. They are our truth and reflect Malaysia as a society.

“We hope that our small contribution kick-starts this movement that recognises this amazing football club, ” he said.

BMW Group Malaysia was interested to support Eye On The Ball as it was directed by 2010 BMW Shorties film competition winner Chen Yih Wen, who is now R.AGE senior producer.

“She is one of our talent discovered from the BMW Shorties programme.

“We are so proud that she has made this beautiful documentary and that she has kept on following her dream.

“It is only natural that we support her in her journey, ” he said.

To help the Pan-Disability Football Club continue its good work, sponsors can book a corporate fundraising screening of Eye On The Ball through the R.AGE team, with the net proceeds of each screening donated to the club.

To book a corporate fundraising screening, email R.AGE at [e-mail].

For more information, go to www.eyeontheballfilm.com

UPDATE: Eye On The Ball's nationwide cinema release and corporate fundraising screenings have been postponed due to the COVID-19 outbreak. A new release date will be announced after the epidemic has been cleared.