Upper East Blind Goalball team qualifies for National Championship
Relying heavily on ear-hand coordination, the sport was originally developed as a rehabilitation activity and has no able-bodied equivalent. Even sighted athletes must wear blindfolds when playing. Goalball was initiated after World War II.
The Upper East Blind Goalball Team has qualified for the National Championship after participating in the Northern Zone competition held over the weekend in Bolgatanga, the regional capital of the Upper East Region.
The competition featured teams from the Northern Region, Bono Ahafo, Upper West, and the host region, Upper East. It was held in both men’s and women’s categories.
Goalball is a team sport designed specifically for athletes with visual impairments. Participants compete in teams of three and attempt to throw a ball embedded with bells into the opponents’ goal. The ball is thrown by hand and never kicked.
Relying heavily on ear-hand coordination, the sport was originally developed as a rehabilitation activity and has no able-bodied equivalent. Even sighted athletes must wear blindfolds when playing. Goalball was initiated after World War II.
In Ghana, the sport was introduced in 2007 but officially began regional competitions in 2015. The Upper East team is aiming for its fifth title, making it the most successful team in the country.
Speaking to the media during the zonal competition, the Regional President of the Blind Sports Federation, Bernice Awuni, called on the general public to support the team so they can continue enjoying the sport.
She expressed gratitude to the Ibrahim Ayew family for providing the Upper East team with jerseys, water, and a cash donation. She also acknowledged the support of the Regional Minister and the CEO of Aquabolg.
The National Championship will be held in Accra. Below are the results from the Northern Zone Championship:
NORTHERN ZONE GOALBALL CHAMPIONSHIP
RESULTS FOR WOMEN’S CATEGORY.
Upper East (16) vs Upper West (6)
Bono Ahafo (13) vs Upper West (3)
Upper East (0) vs Bono Ahafo (10).
TABLE
- Bono Ahafo – 6 points, 23 goals
- Upper East – 3 points, 16 goals
- Upper West – 0 points, 3 goals
RESULTS FOR MEN’S CATEGORY.
Upper East (13) vs Upper West (3)
Bono Ahafo (10) vs Northern Region (7)
Northern Region (8) vs Upper West (11)
Upper East (13) vs Bono Ahafo (4)
Bono Ahafo (6) vs Upper West (5)
Northern Region (13) vs Upper East (11)
TABLE
- Upper East – 6 points, 37 goals
- Bono Ahafo – 6 points, 20 goals
- Northern Region – 3 points, 28 goals
- Upper West – 3 points, 19 goals.
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