Kingston (Jamaica), June 17 (IANS): West Indies middle-order batsman Marlon Samuels has launched a foundation aimed at supporting the blind and visually impaired in Jamaica.

The idea of the foundation came about after Samuels was partially blind for two weeks from a ball which hit him on the head during a match in the Australian Big Bash League (BBL) two years ago, reports CMC.

After recovering from surgery to repair a fractured eye socket, the 34-year-old pledged his support for the blind and visually impaired with a donation of $50,000 to the Salvation Army School which helped five students with their examinations.

"This is basically a charity that is in aid of the blind and disabled and what it is going to be doing is rally people from the industry, both sports and corporate Jamaica to just give to the charity. The funds collected will then be handed over to the various entities that will deal with things related to the blind and disabled," Samuels explained.

Among those attending the launch, at Samuels residence in Jamaica’s south east parish of St. Andrew’s, were West Indies head coach Phil Simmons, former pacer Courtney Walsh, West Indies bowling coach Curtly Ambrose, and limited overs captain Jason Holder.

Samuels, who also bowls right-arm off-spin, is yet to confirm the name of the charity.