Goalball for Blind and Visually Impaired Students

Visually impaired students in Nebo District have participated in goalball practices since December. Goalball is a sport designed specifically for blind and visually impaired individuals. It can be fast-paced depending on the experience and ability levels of the players.

Many students who are visually impaired do not have the opportunity to play team sports in a competitive way. Goalball is a competitive sport that allows students to develop athleticism and sportsmanship. According to the Utah Foundation for the Blind and Visually Impaired, “Participating in goalball is a great activity. It helps develop motor skills, coordination, strength, and orientation skills along with sportsmanship, teamwork, leadership, and self-esteem.” http://www.ufbvi.org/Goalball%20Schedule.html

Goalball teams consist of three players on the court at a time. All players wear blindfolds during play. The students are not allowed to touch the blindfolds without a penalty. The ball has a bell inside it to allow players to hear its location on the court. Players roll the ball to the other side of the court, and the other team tries to block it at the goal line. All lines on the court are taped with string to allow players to locate their position on the court and to feel the court boundaries. Goalball has been a part of the Paralympics since 1976.

Many visually impaired students who learn to play goalball express a desire to teach it to their sighted classmates. The response to these activities is usually positive, as sighted students are exposed to a game where they have to rely on other senses besides vision to compete. Visually impaired students are able to “show off” their skills to their friends.

Jeannie Olsen said, “Goalball teaches some very valuable lessons. It helps students feel good about themselves and their abilities. It gives students a chance to play a team sport that can be every bit as intense as a basketball game. Also, it helps students make connections with other visually impaired students who can understand their specific situations.”

Every year the Utah Foundation for the Blind and Visually Impaired hosts a goalball tournament, which any visually impaired student in the state may participate. Students come from all over the state to play in a tournament that lasts all day. The tournament allows students the opportunity to meet other visually impaired students around the state. Trophies are awarded to the winning teams at the end of the tournament and students are selected to participate in a national goalball competition. This year, visually impaired students who have attended goalball practices in Nebo District will compete in the state tournament on March 21, 2013.