One sport has been around for hundreds or even thousands of years, while the other is relatively new. Nevertheless, they all have one major thing in common. It is the only two of his sports that do not have an equivalent in the Olympic Games and are included in the Paralympic playlist. Boccia and goalball.
According to World Boccia.com, the governing body, the sport’s roots date back to ancient Egypt, where carvings of people throwing stones remain. Bowls, boules, and pétanque all have similarities to sports that have become popular worldwide in recent decades.
Goalball, on the other hand, was invented in 1946 by Austrian Hanz Lorentzen and German Sepp Reindl for the purpose of rehabilitating soldiers who lost their eyesight during combat.
Interesting tactics, a sport of amazing skill
“The future of bocce is determined by what people think. It’s everyone’s responsibility and if I can retire from the sport in a better place, I know I’ve done the right thing. But it’s about more than just medals. Instead, they are inspiring the next generation.”
These words were attributed to David Smith, the greatest bocce player in British history and three-time Paralympic gold medalist, who believed that in order to have a past, the sport must have a future. I understand.
Boccia is currently the fastest growing sport in the Paralympic movement and standards are constantly being raised.
Smith has already written a chapter in the history books and is an advocate for a sport that has become popular worldwide in recent years.
“I’m a little concerned about that. You want to be recognized,” he told Pinterest.org after the success of Tokyo 2020.
“I was able to live stream Boccia for the first time and show what I’m capable of. I think the rest of the sport was able to show what they’re capable of.
“It’s a great sport, and it’s also a very emotional one. Boccia is finally getting the recognition it deserves,” he added.
Boccia, which means bowl in Italian, began as a leisure activity and was first included as a competitive event at the 1984 New York Paralympic Games. This is a game of strategy and accuracy played on an indoor badminton-sized court using a leather ball.
Originally designed for people with cerebral palsy to play, athletes with disabilities that affect athletic performance are now also participating, with Nurrashika Mohammad Taha competing in his first boccia competition. It is played in over 50 countries, including Singapore, where it has made history. Paralympics (London 2012).
“I want to see how far boccia can take me. It’s been a long journey so far,” Nurul, who has been playing for 19 years, told Paralympic.org. “So I don’t know where else to go.”
speed and acrobatics
Goalball has also been on the rise since it was featured as a demonstration sport in Heidelberg in 1972. Upgraded in 1976 Toronto.
Initially, only the men’s team participated, and Austria defeated West Germany 4-2 to win their first Paralympic championship. Denmark won the bronze medal. A women’s medal event was added in 1984, when the United States defeated Canada.
Imagine trying to launch a heavy 1.25 kg ball onto a court at just under 37 mph while blindfolded. Goalball is a sport of physical ability and a test of character.
And there’s already one strong candidate for the record books.
Turkish athlete Cevda Altunoruk helped his team win gold medals at the Rio 2016 and Tokyo 2020 Paralympic Games. She defeated the USA 9-2 and was the top scorer with an astonishing 46 goals.
“This was really important for blind sports in Turkey. I think more people would like to feel this emotion,” Turkish teammate Reyhan Yilmax told Paralympics.org.
“By winning as many gold medals as possible, we can invite more people to the venue. They will see us win and want to be part of this sport and part of our family.”
A recurring theme in both boccia and goalball is that they are ‘different’, developed specifically for para-athletes.
“That’s what makes this sport special,” says goalballer Pedro Martinez. “Everyone involved in goalball starts at the same level. It’s not an adaptation (of the Olympic sport), so no previous experience or skills are required.
“When I put on my eyeshades and am on the court, I feel completely free without any pressure. I forget everything about what’s going on outside the court.”
Boccia and goalball will both be on the menu for the 2024 Paris Paralympic Games.
The Boccia event will be held at the South Paris Arena from August 29th to September 5th. Medals are awarded in the following categories: Individual BC1 (Women’s – Men), BC2 (Women’s – Men), BC3 (Women’s – Men), BC4 (Women’s – Men). Mixed team BC1-2. Mixed pair of BC3 and BC4.
Goalball is a tournament for eight teams, men’s and women’s, that manages to be held on the same dates and venue..