Second look (22)

[gerbie]

Three men in a team. Two teams, the goals as big as the width of a volleyballfield. The audience is completely quiet. The men listen to the little bell in the ball and dive before they know where the ball will go. Hopefully they stop it. A break after 8 minutes, the audience whispers a bit. Second half, another 8 minutes. The ball is not allowed to be thrown through the air. It can bounce a bit, but has to touch the floor in all 6 parts of the field. If it doesn't, the team gets a penalty. Two players shortly leave the field and only one defender is entitled to defend the huge goal. In the end the team with most goals wins.

You have to be blind to play the game known as Goalball. If you're not completely blind, they will blindfold you. Equal opportunties for all. Fascinating game. Glad I went to the Paralympics after working in Sydney during the Olympics.

Comments

[comradecharlie.livejournal.com]

I tried this one time (blindfolded, of course) and it's terribly difficult to figure out where that ball is heading. A little bit scary too, 'cause you're afraid of crashing into your team mates.

And yes, it is a fascinating game.

[gerbie.livejournal.com]

I can imagine it is really difficult. What I noticed is that the middle out of the three usually plays a bit further ahead than the other two. I assume that is to avoid crashes.