Goalball - an overview and history of the sport
Overview
Goalball is a game competed by two teams of three players. The aim of the game is to score in the opponent's goal by bowling the ball across the floor whilst avoiding the defending team. The defending team are not allowed to venture down the pitch and must remain within the designated area.
History
Goalball was created by Hanz Lorenzen and Sepp Reindl in 1946, to support the rehabilitation process for soldiers who had become visually impaired in World War Two.
The popularity of the sport over the next 20 years increased and led to the competitive sport being trialled in the 1976 Paralympics.
The Paralympic games led to the first World Championships in 1978 and the sport was officially included into the 1980 Paralympic Games in Arnhem.