Goalball and Boccia at the Paralympics: rules and curiosities of two unique sports

If we talk about international competitions such as the Paralympics and Olympics, it is often thought that they are almost identical, differing only in the athletes involved. However, there are two sports in the Paralympics that are not present in the Olympic program: goalball e Boccia. Both of these sports are designed specifically for athletes with disabilities and offer a unique combination of strategy, skill and intensity which makes them fascinating both to play and to watch.

A Paralympic bowling competition

Goalball: The Game of Sensitivity and Strategy

Imagine being blindfolded in a silent room, with only the sound of a ball rolling toward you to indicate the direction of danger. This is the heart of Goalball, a sport created specifically for blind or visually impaired athletes. Born in 1946 As part of the rehabilitation of World War II veterans, Goalball has evolved into one of the most engaging and competitive sports in the Paralympics.

The game is played on a volleyball-sized court, with two teams of three players each. The goal? To score as many goals as possible in the opponent's goal, which is the entire width of the court. But here's the trick: All players wear a mask that makes them blind, regardless of their natural sight level. This puts everyone on the same level and makes it essential touse of hearing. The ball contains rattles to help players locate it, and the sounds become the primary guide to orient themselves. Players must throw the ball with force and accuracy, trying to slide it under the prone bodies of defenders trying to block the shot.

Goalball is not only a demonstration of physical skill, but also of strategy and team coordination. Every movement is calculated and communication between team members is essential. It is a sport that combines speed, strength and, above all, an extraordinary ability to adapt.

Boccia: Precision and strategy at the highest level

While Goalball is a fast-paced and dynamic game, Boccia it's all a matter of precision, patience e strategy. Derived from the traditional game, Boccia has been adapted for athletes with severe motor disabilities and requires fine control and a strategic mind.

Played on an indoor court, the game involves two players or teams competing to throw colored balls as close as possible to a white ball, called a "Jack". Athletes can throw balls with their hand, their foot, or with the help of special devices such as ramps, depending on the level of their disability. Each throw requires a perfect combination of strength and finesse, as a millimeter error can change the outcome of the game.

The Boccia is one of the more tactical sports at the Paralympics. Each player must anticipate the opponent's moves and adapt their strategy in real time, trying to position their balls in such a way as to block or move those of the opponent. It is a sport that rewards not only physical dexterity, but also the ability to think several steps ahead, like in a game of chess.

These two sports they are not present at the Olympics because they are specifically designed to accommodate the abilities of athletes with disabilities, providing them with a platform to excel. Every detail, from the rules to the equipment, is designed to ensure fairness and high-level competition, demonstrating that talent and determination know no physical limits.