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Goalball |
| Goalball competitions are set apart from all other
Paralympic events due to the unique atmosphere inside the playing venue.
Goalball is played by athletes (men and women) who are blind or visually
impaired. Each team has three players on the court at any one time and
the object is to throw the ball into the opponent's goal. Bells inside
the ball help to orient the players indicating the direction of the
on-coming ball. Therefore, while play is in progress, the gymnasium is
completely silent so as to allow the players to concentrate and react
instantly to the ball. The cheers explode after each point is scored and
silence resumes when the ball is back in play. Matches last a total of
14 minutes and are divided into two equal halves.
All competitors wear masks while they are on the playing court which allows athletes with varying degrees of vision to participate together. |
