Which Sport Was Developed Specifically For The Blind?

GoalballOnly one sport was specifically created for blind people -- goalball.

Created in 1946, goalball was designed to help World War II veterans who had lost their sight.  Players must be legally blind, but to ensure a level playing field, they all must wear opaque eyeshades.  The game is played like soccer, but players throw the ball instead of kicking it.  The object is to get the ball in the goal, at either end of the 18 meter field.

Players remain on their hands and knees.  They can hear the ball, for example, with three metal bells inside.

Men's goalball was introduced to the Paralympics in Toronto on 1976.  Women's goalball made its debut in New York in 1984.

History of Goalball

Donate to SDCB


Posted in Blind Athlete | View Post