Goalball: The Greatest Sport

              Goalball is the greatest sport I’ve ever played. It provides an excellent release for one’s emotions. Along with this, those who play it develop a profound sense of trust towards their coaches and individual team-mates. Being blindfolded compels the Goalball competitors to work together as a unit while still maintaining their own personal roles. Together, players try to roll a ball with bells inside past the apposing team. The way the sport is played is like a fusion of: soccer, bowling, and dodge ball. Along with these combinations, Goalball also has things in common with Basketball. The taller you are, the more likely you are to get on a team.

              Despite all of its energy and audience suspense, Goalball does have one thing that needs to be changed. Currently, there are certain eye-sight requirements that must be met if one is to become a Goalball player. An individual must have a documented eye disease, or eyesight below a level of 20/100. This requirement is shutting the gates of possibility for many potential athletes. I’ve taught some of the boys in my neighborhood how to play Goalball, and there were quite a few that had a natural gift for the sport. Opening Goalball for all those who have sight or no sight will allow it to become more widely known throughout the world. Not only that, but it seems unfair that being able to compete on state levels or higher is denied to those who can’t see badly enough.