KEY INFORMATION

Recommended age group: 7–14
Time required: one 45–60 minute session
Equipment: What is goalball information sheet, bell ball (or ball wrapped in a plastic bag), blindfolds for all participants, whistle, rope/ markers for edge of court, mats (optional for players to lie on), indoor court (badminton/ volleyball court).

ACTIVITY IDEA

Goalball is a Paralympic team sport where visually impaired athletes can compete equally. It is a unique and exciting sport, which relies on silence, concentration, co-ordination, balance, speed and agility. It is played indoors with three players on each team. The aim of the game is to score goals by bowling the ball along the floor, past the opposing team. The team with the most goals wins.

At 15 years of age, David Knott from Southampton was selected for the men's GB Goalball Squad for the London 2012 Paralympic Games. Here is what he said, 'Three years ago, I didn't know what the sport was and here I am now, still at school and gearing up to compete at the London 2012 Games, playing at the top level of the sport; it's incredible.'

The information sheet 'What is goalball' will also support the students in finding out about goalball and having a go themselves.