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Monday, June 23, 2008

Goalball Tournament...

We had a very busy part of the week last week as well as a very eventful weekend. Amanda and Quinton came and stayed with us for a few days because the International Goalball Tournament was being held at my very own American Fork High School. What an honor it was for me to have these very talented and athletic individuals be in my hometown.We spent alot of time with Manda and Quinton but unfortunately I didn't snag any photos of them...I know...I forgot! But I did get some shots of the Utah mens goalball team.
Goalball is a sport for the blind and visually impaired. You must be legally blind to play the game. The ball is like a dodgeball but probably alot heavier and it has bells inside so the players know where it is at all times. They also place tape on the floor so they know where they are at all times too. There are 3 players per team on the court at a time, and the object of the game is to try and get the ball into the goals. The player have to use their bodies to stop the ball from going into the goal. When i was watching, some of the players throw the ball pretty hard, and I'm sure it hurts when it hits them full force.
For the blind and visually impaired this is THEIR sport. It is something that they are able to do and enjoy. I really had a great time watching the games because I have never seen a game before. It got pretty intense when the Utah men were going for gold. Unfortunately Florida ended up taking gold. So maybe next time. Thanks Amanda and Quinton for sharing this sport with us. :)