TN Assoc of Blind Athletes (TNABA)

Press Releases: GTP - 4/22/2013  | GTP - 8/13/2011  |  Lipscomb - 8/16/2011

teamplayers.org/tnaba

Source: Wikipedia

Activity Details Overview:

Donate to TNABA

• soccer ("Goalball") match, BLINDFOLDED versus BLIND athletes
• need judges / players to scrimmage (training / equipment provided)
• please wear athletic attire and shoes (pads / cup are recommended)
• MIN = 6
• MAX = 50 (number of spectators and fans basically unlimited) 
• Saturday afternoons from 1-4pm are preferred
• TN School for the Blind, 115 Stewarts Ferry Pike, Nashville, TN 37241

TNABA will teach volunteers how to play "Goalball". We will first watch a demo-game played by TNABA players. Then volunteers will have the option to be a player on a team, to pick teams to play in tournament, to referee, to be a goal judge, or to be a table judge. TNABA uses volunteers to create a game-like situation for their teams as they practice for regional and national competitions. TNABA looks forward to sharing their favorite sport with you. 

Meet the TNABA Team!

(Click to watch video clip)

Videos:

Training	Bloopers

Pictures:

About "Goalball":

(More information can be found via Wikipedia http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Goalball)

Goalball was developed in 1943 as a rehabilitation program for wounded warriors from WWII in England. It was made into a international Paralympics Sport in 1976. The Paralympics is the same as the regular Olympics but for people with physical and or visual disabilities. The Paralympics are held in the same country as the regular Olympics but two weeks after the closing ceremony of the Olympics. Goalball is the premier blind team sport, and it is played in over 20 countries (if you would like to find or create Goalball activities in your region, please go to www.teamplayers.org/partners-world).

Goalball is played with 3 players per team. The game is played on a volleyball-size court. Every player on the court wears blackened-out goggles so that no one on the court can see a thing. Players use sense of touch and hearing to play this game. The team area of the court is taped with gym tape and rope to establish “orientation lines”, which allow players to know where they are in relation to the court. The goals are made out of PVC piping and netting that spans the entire width of the court (16 feet wide), and the goal is defended by all three team members. The general concept is to take a 3-pound rubber ball with bells inside of it and roll it past the other team and into their goal. On defense, you use your body to create a wall along with your teammates in order to keep the ball out of your goal. This is a fast-pace, fun, and competitive game.

About TNABA:

MISSION STATEMENT:
The mission of the Tennessee Association of Blind Athletes is to enhance the lives and overall health of all blind and visually impaired people of Tennessee; to promote physical fitness through world-class athletic opportunities and recreational activities; to create more opportunities for blind and visually impaired individuals, enhancing their lives and educating the public on their exceptional athletic abilities. For more information and upcoming events, please go to www.tnaba.org

More Information:
TNABA is a non-profit organization that provides sports and recreation to the blind and visually impaired of Tennessee.  TNABA currently has 5 programs, and they want to develop more programs as more funds become available. TNABA offers Goalball, Tandem Cycling, bowling, Game Night, and an exercise and fitness class.

History:
TNABA has been around since 1979 and was redeveloped in 2009. TNABA provides programs both competitively and recreationally. TNABA provides programming suitable for 5-year-olds all theb way up to 67 years old and has a member base of around 40 individuals. TNABA is the local Tennessee state affiliate of the USABA and a US Paralympics Sports Club.