By Tabitha Messick
China’s Mens’ Goalball team, competing for the first time, won the Goalball gold medal Sunday night while the Women’s team finished as runner-ups to the United States.
It was a rousing night for spectators with close games and China Men coming from behind to win.
 |
|
China claims title of Men's Goalball [Xinhua]
|
Goalball is a sport with a unique atmosphere in the venue. In fact, it is completely silent during time of play. The game is played by blind athletes who attempt to roll a ball on a rectangular shaped into their opponent’s goal. The other team tries to block the ball with their bodies.
Bells are inside the ball to help orient players with the direction of the ball. Therefore spectators must remain quiet so players can hear the ball.
After a goal, though, the crowd erupts waving flags and yelling “Jia You.” They quiet down again at the instruction of the referees.
Sunday night’s final was a packed house as Chinese home fans were cheering for both China teams competing in the gold medal matches. Both games were extremely competitive.
 |
|
Chinese home fans are cheering for both China teams competing in the gold medal matches. [Xinhua]
|
