Support Local Blind and Visually Impaired Athletes -
Support the Kingston Goalball Club!
What is goalball?
Never heard of it? Goalball is a Paralympic sport played by blind or visually impaired men and women. Canada has a Paralympic medal winning team in the sport and yet many people have never heard of it!
Goalball has come to Kingston and is hoping to grow and expand in the community. The sport, played on a gym court sectioned off into 3 wings and split across the middle with tactile painters tape, uses a ball slightly larger than a basketball with bells in it called a goalball. The game is played 3 on 3 where athletes (all of whom are blind folded) use their bodies to block shots made in their wing and their ears to track the ball on the court.
Why is this important?
Fitness and exercise are crucial for all individuals, but fun and team oriented opportunities are limited for those living with a visual disability. Goalball encourages fitness while enhancing social and team building skills.
What is Kingston Goalball and How Can You Help?
In just one season, the club has received support from businesses including Wal-Mart, Loblaws and Canadian Tire. A successful bake sale at the Frontenac Shopping Centre, and a crowd funding campaign were among the fundraisers held in 2014. The team has established a presence in the community by: being featured in an article in the Kingston Whig-Standard, broadcasted on CBC radio, via a booth at the Parapan Am Torch celebrations and through goalball demonstrations at Queens University.
DONATE!
On November 30, 2015 from 6:00pm to 9:00pm and with the help of Ramekins Casual Fine Dining, we will be hosting a dining in the dark and auction event to support the club. Funds will go towards equipment, gym rentals and participant acquisition. Please see our flyer for details!
FOLLOW US!
Like our page on facebook in order to keep up to date on fundraisers and activities.
https://www.facebook.com/dininginthedarkkingston/
JOIN US!
We are currently looking to recruit athletes:
o 16+
o able to engage in moderate physical activity i.e. throwing balls, sliding on gym floor, blocking shots with body
o if sighted, comfortable being blindfolded
o team-oriented: attend practices regularly, contribute to fundraising efforts
o be available on Thursday evenings for practices
o willing to become a member of the Ontario Blind Sports Association
o enthusiastic, passionate and willing to learn!
Questions/inquiries and expressions of interest can be directed to Arshina Kassam or David Martin e-mail at .
Thank you for your support,
The Kingston Goalball Club