Press Release
16 June 2004
Fine Performance in First Goalball Tests.
On Sunday 13 June the New Zealand Men's and Women's Goalball teams met
Australia in the first Trans-Tasman clash for Goalball. Though both
tests were lost, 5-3 in the men's game and 4-2 in the women's these were
a credible and closely fought outcome against opposition that have
been involved in international competitions for over 20 years.
Goalball is a Paralympic Sport for the blind and visually impaired
played on a volleyball size court where two teams of 3 roll a ball from
one end to the other in an attempt to score goals in the 9 metre wide
court at the other end. The ball is the size of a basketball, contains
bells and is thrown at speeds up to 70 km/h. All players are blind
folded and court markings on the floor aid in orientation. Goalball is
the only true hand ear coordination game in the world and is played in
over 70 countries world wide.
"We can be truly proud of the outcome of these tests" said Troy Ramsay,
coach of the men's team. "We were expecting a hiding from a very strong
and motivated team, but in both games our strong defense frustrated the
opposition allowing us to slip a few goals past them and give them a
real run for their money."
Petronella Spicer, captain of the women's team had an outstanding
defensive game. "I was pleased with all the girls, we were really in it
up until the last few minutes. We know that with some hard work over the
next 12 months we have a real shot at beating them next year when we
hope to meet again."
The test matches were played during the Australian State Championships
held over the weekend of 10-13 June in Surfers Paradise. "We were really
pleased with our performance in the competition and the tests" Paul
Barclay, captain of the men's team said. "We have really taken a step up
both with our NZ teams and the development squad that also attended. We
have plenty more to work on, but know now that we can be competitive on
the world stage. Though Australia will not be attending the Paralympics
this year, not having qualified, they are still ranked in the top 15 in
the world, so we can be duly proud of the result."
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