| Goalball is an exclusively Paralympic sport. It is a team sport in which only blind athletes and athletes with vision impairment can participate. It requires technical skills, strength, speed, quick reflexes, team spirit, flexibility and orientation skills. At a recreational level, however, everyone can play Goalball, regardless of age, physical fitness or visual restrictions.  Goalball is conducted in an indoor Volleyball court. It is played by both men and women athletes. Each team consists of three players with a maximum of three substitutes. The objective of the game is for each team to roll the ball, with their hands to the opposite side and score a goal, while the opposing players try to block the ball with any part of their body. The winner is the team that scores the most goals. A game is played in two halves of 10 minutes each.
Goalball at the 2004 Paralympic Games
During the Athens Paralympic Games, Goalball competitions will be held at the Sports Pavilion of the Faliro Coastal Zone Olympic Complex. Competition events will take place within seven days (from 20 to 26 September 2004). Athens will host 12 men’s and 8 women’s Goalball teams. |
