Surrey to Host 2019 Vancouver Goalball Grand Slam Presented by YVR

Surrey, BC – The City of Surrey will welcome the 2019 Vancouver Goalball Grand Slam presented by YVR Friday, March 8 to Sunday, March 10 at the Guildford Recreation Centre.

Goalball is a Paralympic team sport designed for athletes who are blind or visually impaired. Using their hands only, the goal is for players to throw the ball into the opposing team’s net across a volleyball-sized court.  Players track the ball, which makes a bell sound, though noise and vibration. This year’s Goalball Grand Slam will host male and female athletes from the USA, Canada and Israel who are preparing for the Paralympic qualifiers.

“We are extremely proud to be welcoming the 2019 Vancouver Goalball Grand Slam to Surrey,” said Tara Roberts, Manager of Support Services and Accessibility for the City of Surrey.  “Not only are we committed to hosting world-class sporting events like these, but it supports our vision to become British Columbia’s most accessible municipality. We have been offering inclusive adapted recreation and sports programs for the past 20 years and will continue to support events like goalball, to offer full participation in sport for people of all abilities.”

“This tournament has been gaining momentum over the last three years, and we are excited to be adding a women’s division for the first time at this year’s tournament,” said Lisa Odland, Tournament Coordinator for Vancouver Goalball Club. “The sport of goalball is growing at a steady pace worldwide, and Vancouver Goalball Club is dedicated to offering a high-level competition right here in the Lower Mainland.”

In addition to the tournament, a Goalball Try-It series is being held on Saturday, March 9 at 12:30 p.m. to 1:30 p.m. at Guildford Recreation Centre, for those who would like to challenge themselves to this sport. Players will be given eyeshades and are encouraged to wear a long-sleeved shirt and pants. 

For more information, visit surrey.ca/events

For the tournament schedule, visit vgclub.ca