Goalball was first invented in 1946 for WWII veterans who had lost their sight. The sport made its Paralympic debut at the 1976 Games in Toronto, while women's competition was introduced at the 1984 Games in New York. Goalball is one of two sports which does not have an Olympic counterpart, the other being boccia. Goalball is played by athletes with a vision impairment - all players wear eyeshades to ensure fair competition.
Goalball is played in teams of three players, using a ball containing internal bells. Players attack by rolling the ball towards the other team's goal, which stretches across the whole width of the floor. Players defend by lying down in front of their own goal to block attacks.
Goalball UK is the sport's National Governing Body. Find out more on the Goalball UK website.