The Gulf Clubs and Associations Challenge Goalball Tournament for the Blind will be hosted by the Al Noor Association for the Blind from July 19 to 24. Six teams from Oman, the UAE, Saudi Arabia, Kuwait, Bahrain, and Qatar will participate in the tournament at the Sultan Qaboos Sports Complex in Baushar.
During a press conference, Dr Raed al Farsi, chairman of the Association, Dr Mansour al Touqi, Chairman of the Oman Paralympic Committee, Captain Aseel Al Sulaimi, coach of the national goalball team for the blind, and Asaad Al Dhahili, chairman of the tournament's technical committee and national team players, announced the event.
Dr Al Farsi emphasized the association's readiness to host the tournament and highlighted the completion of technical coordination with the participating teams and the determination of the tournament venue. He also stressed the association's commitment to advocating for people with visual disabilities in various fields, including sports, culture, art, and social activities. The association aims to be their voice in relevant institutions and has demonstrated that individuals with visual disabilities can excel in sports, including goalball.
The organization conducts its summer programs and events across its four branches in the regions of Oman, with a total of 760 members, both sighted and visually impaired, actively participating. The summer sports activities organized by the association span a month, featuring a sports week specifically designed for blind women under the theme "A Step Towards Confidence", alongside various cultural and recreational happenings.
Dr. Al Touqi emphasized the significance of the tournament in bringing positive outcomes for Oman. He elaborated on the multifaceted role of the Oman Paralympic Committee, encompassing administrative, technical, and organizational aspects. Specialized teams have been assembled to oversee the execution of the event, including managing matches, officiating, addressing complaints, monitoring results, and preparing the main venue. The Paralympic Committee oversees three categories of disabilities: motor, visual, and cerebral palsy, each engaging in a variety of sports. Dr. Al Touqi highlighted the collaborative efforts between the Oman Paralympic Committee and other organizations such as the Noor Association for the Blind, the Association for Children with Disabilities, and the Oman Sailing Foundation, which have significantly broadened the scope of sports opportunities for individuals with disabilities, supported by the Ministry of Culture, Sports, and Youth. Notably, the Sultanate is set to host the West Asian Paralympic Games in 2026, with the participation of 16 countries, marking a significant milestone in the region.
Asaad Al Dhahili mentioned that the upcoming five-day tournament will consist of a total of 19 matches, with 15 taking place during the group stage and 4 in the final round. In order to maintain high standards of refereeing, 10 international referees and 10 local referees have been specially invited. He emphasized that the tournament will play a significant role in enhancing the technical skills of the national team players following their hiatus caused by the Covid-19 pandemic. Additionally, he highlighted that goalball is considered one of the top sports for individuals with visual impairments.
