/ 01 September 2021

The Paralympics: Goal ball

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Each day of the Tokyo Paralympics, we’ll bring you a profile of an athlete you should know about, a sport that’s worth checking out, or achievements of the previous day. And today, it’s all about goalball

First, the Aussie Belles – our women’s goalball team. Before these Paralympics, they hadn’t won at the Games in 25 years, but they beat Canada on Saturday and world champions Russia on Sunday. That means the Belles are one win away from a spot in the semi-finals… So, how’s it played? Teams of 3 blind and visually impaired athletes play on a volleyball-sized court with nets at either end. The aim is to roll/throw the basketball-sized rubber ball into the opponent’s net. Defenders listen out for the bells that are inside the ball and use their bodies as a block. And after a ball is thrown, the defending players have 10 seconds to throw the ball back after it’s touched. And wouldn’t you know it, the Aussies are up against defending champions Turkey at 2:15 pm today. Jingle, Belles…

After Day 8 of the Paralympic Games, Australia is 8th on the medal tally with 13 gold, 21 silver and 20 bronze.

Image source: Paralympics

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