Deaf and hearing young adults came together at Siwdu Park in Cape Coast for the first inclusive football match of a new initiative by Betano, ANOPA Project and the Ghana Deaf Sports Federation, using the power of sport to promote equal participation, challenge misconceptions about disability and strengthen community connections.
The initiative marks Betano’s first corporate social responsibility initiative in Ghana and brings together 160 young adults aged 18 to 35, including deaf, hard-of-hearing and hearing participants, creating opportunities to play, learn and develop as equal teammates.
Building on the first match, the initiative will bring participants together through structured football training sessions, community matches and an inclusive football festival.
It will also equip coaches, referees and volunteers with skills in inclusive coaching, deaf awareness and accessible communication, helping create a more welcoming sporting environment.
Beyond the pitch, the partnership reflects Betano’s commitment to supporting community initiatives that use sport to create positive social impact.
Through accessible football activities, the programme aims to foster inclusion, strengthen community ties and empower young people to become team captains, peer leaders and advocates for equality. With at least 40 per cent of participants and youth leaders expected to be women, the initiative also promotes gender equality and greater female representation in sport and leadership.
“Sport has the power to bring people together and create opportunities for everyone to participate, belong and thrive.
Through Betano’s first CSR initiative in Ghana, we are proud to partner with ANOPA Project to help make football more inclusive and bring our Challenge Your Limits philosophy to life. By supporting young people in developing their skills, confidence and leadership, we aim to contribute to communities where everyone has the opportunity to participate and reach their potential,” said Daniel Lamberti, Senior Business Development Advisor at Kaizen Gaming.
Ernest Appiah, Executive Director of ANOPA Project, added that the organisation believes football can bring deaf and hearing young people together to build friendships, strengthen wellbeing and grow as leaders, creating a sense of belonging that extends beyond the pitch.
Kaizen Gaming is one of the biggest GameTech companies in the world, owning the premium online sports betting and gaming brand Betano, with an established presence across numerous markets in Europe, the Americas and Africa.
The company employs approximately 3,000 people globally and has been recognised as a leading player in the global sports betting and gaming market, receiving several industry awards, including Operator of the Year at the EGR Operator Awards in 2024 and 2025, and the SBC Awards for three consecutive years from 2024 until 2026.
