Day 11

Did you know that there is a sport designed specifically for athletes with a vision impairment?  It is called goalball.  It was invented in 1946 to help rehabilitate veterans who lost their sight during the Second World War.  Participants compete in teams of three, and try to throw a ball that has bells embedded inside of it into the opponents’ goal.  Participants use their body to attempt to block the ball.  The court is slightly smaller than a volleyball court.

The South Carolina School for the Deaf and the Blind’s girl’s goalball team is coached by Head Coach, Mary Lister and Assistant Coach, Sara Brownlee.  This group of athletes compete against other students in the United States Association for Blind Athletes.  They also compete in the Eastern Association for the Blind tournaments and in the National Youth Goalball Championship every year.  These competitions take place all over the United States.

The Foundation provides travel, lodging, meals, and sets up tours for these students when they are competing away from home.  They have been on tours to learn about cities in places such as Alabama, Virginia, and Georgia.  During their recent visit to Savannah, Georgia, they were able to ride the Trolley and also visit Tybee Island.

Playing sports has many benefits for students.  Many athletes do better academically and sports teach teamwork and problem-solving skills.  In addition to the physical benefits of sports, they help boost self-esteem.  An added benefit for the students at the South Carolina School for the Deaf and the Blind is that playing sports exposes them to people and places they may not otherwise have a chance to experience.  They also get a chance to practice the real life skills they learn on our campus.

Pictured in the upper left is the 2023-2024 girl’s goalball team in green jerseys with their coaches on either end of the team.  Pictured in the bottom right is the goalball team practicing.  You can see the goal on the far end of the court.

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