MAB Recreational Goalball League
INTRODUCTION
In response to demand within the Montreal Association for the Blind Transition Group (senior high school students support group), a league has been formed to practice the sport of Goalball recreationally. Our primary objective in setting up such a league was to preserve the recreational aspect that had been exhibited in past games. By keeping the league non-competitive we can essentially build on socializing between young blind and visually impaired clients of the MAB.
ABOUT THE SPORT
Goalball is a unique team sport for the visually impaired and blind, played by 2 teams of 5 players (of which only three per team can play at the same time). It is played on a court 9 meters in width and 18 meters in length with a smooth surface. All players are blindfolded to enable blind, visually impaired and sighted athletes to play together.
The game is divided into two 7-minute halves. The ball is approximately the size of a basketball and contains noise bells. The object of the game is to roll the ball over your opponent's goal line using a bowling action.
MISSION STATEMENT
It has been expressed by many members of the Transition Group, that they enjoy being able to participate in a sport where their visual impairment does not put them at a disadvantage. It has also been shown that most of the members are not interested in becoming competitive players, but rather casual players. Our mission is to meet these needs. We aim to keep the league in the hands of the visually impaired and blind youth who will profit from it.
PARTICIPANTS
Presently the league is open to young visually impaired Montrealers aged 14 through 25, along with members of the MAB Post-Secondary Support Group. The only costs that every participant must absorb are those associated with transportation to and from the MAB. Games take place for the most part on Saturday afternoons. All the protective equipment has been purchased for the league thanks to funding by the MAB User’s Committee.
GUESTS
Parents are always encouraged to play an active role in the activities their children take part in. As such we allow parents and siblings to stay for the duration of any game. MAB staff may also be present at any one of the league’s regular season games. Guests such as provincial and national team players and coaches may be present at designated games.
SAFETY
Many new players worry about possible injury. Please note that the chance for physical contact in this sport is extremely low. Every game is supervised by a minimum of two sighted referees that have been trained to and are capable of handling any situation that may arise from the game.
BENEFITS
- Develop and improve social skills
- Form a network of visually impaired Montrealers
- Live an active life-style
- Become a team player
- Promote the expansion of this one of a kind sport.
