The Worshipful Company of Spectacle Makers Charity has bestowed its first three-year grant to Goalball UK in order to develop the sport in London.
The grant will take effect in July and will allow Goalball UK increase provisions for each new emerging club, raise awareness, support talent development and secure future funding for the sport.
Specifically designed for the visually impaired, Goalball is a team sport played in the Paralympics. It is played with raised markings on the floor as players find the ball by listening out for the bells placed inside of it. Blindfolds are worn to make sure the game is fair for everyone involved. Participation in the sport has increased by 425% in the last four years alone since the London 2012 Olympics where it was seen played.
Mark Winder, CEO of Goalball UK, said: ‘We are very aware that there is a shortage of Goalball clubs in London and we are delighted that this project, supported by funding from the Worshipful Company of Spectacle Makers, will help us to meet this need.’
