Who are the primary participants in Goalball?

The primary participants in Goalball are athletes who are blind or visually impaired. Goalball is specifically designed for these athletes and is played using a ball that emits a sound, allowing players to detect its location through auditory cues. The game is played in teams, and players wear eye shades to ensure a level playing field, as it is crucial that all athletes compete without sight. This unique setup emphasizes the skills of orientation, listening, and teamwork among visually impaired athletes, making them the central focus of the sport.

Other categories of disabilities, such as physical disabilities, hearing impairments, or cognitive disabilities, do not typically participate in Goalball, as the sport is tailored to the challenges and abilities of those who are blind or have visual impairments. This distinction highlights how each sport in the Paralympic movement is aimed at specific types of disabilities, ensuring that it provides an inclusive and competitive environment for the respective athlete groups.