Sound
Played by Ear
The ball contains bells, and players defend by listening for its position as it rolls along the floor — silence in the arena is essential.
Bell-equipped ball
Our Sports
Goalball
Introduction
Played by Sound
Goalball is a Paralympic team sport designed for athletes with visual impairment. All players wear blackout eyeshades to ensure fairness, locating the bell-equipped ball entirely by sound. South Africa is building its goalball programme through schools and clubs nationwide.
How the Sport Works
Three Blocks, One Game
Goalball is unique in para sport — fully reliant on hearing, teamwork and spatial awareness. Every player on the court experiences the same conditions, making the sport a true test of skill and tactics.
Teams
Three on Three
Two teams of three players each compete on a court the size of a volleyball court, defending their own goal while attacking the opposition's.
6 players per match
Classification
A Level Field
All players must wear blackout eyeshades regardless of their level of vision, making goalball one of the most level playing fields in para sport.
Blackout eyeshades
Paralympic Representation
A Sport of Pure Focus
Designed in 1946 as a rehabilitation sport for visually impaired veterans, goalball has been on the Paralympic programme since 1976. South Africa is developing the sport at school and club level with a view to future international competition.
3v3
Team format
1976
Paralympic debut
Growing
South African programme
Our Sponsors
Our Proud Sponsors
Our partners power South African para sport. From grassroots to Paralympic podiums.
