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GREAT BRITISH EFFORTS IN BRAZIL for GB Women’ Goalball
By Anna Sharkey
Celebratory high spirits for Goalball GB Women
The climax of the year came for the Great British women’s goalball team as they embarked on the IBSA world games in Sao Paulo, Brazil. With a total of thirteen women’s teams, they would have to be placed in the top four of a seven team round robin before going through to a ‘play off’ – the winner of which qualifying for the Beijing Paralympics next year. At the end of an eight month preparation the women had so much to play for.
Disappointment struck early as young protégée Emily Luke suffered a broken finger days before the start of the tournament. Despite shaken confidences the team remained determined and secured an unexpected 4-1 victory in their first game against Greece. The team looked comfortable in defence and showcased an imaginative attack, with Jessica Luke scoring her first international hat-trick. This would prove the start of murmurings – Great Britain could provide stiff competition.
The following day saw a 1-3 defeat by the experienced Swedes, and a reasonable 6-2 victory over Italy.
Great Britain next challenged the unbeaten Germany. Unfortunately GB showed none of their initial spark, with perhaps the one exception being the superb diagonal shot, which proved the team’s only goal. Great Britain appeared panicked in comparison to the efficient manner in which Germany yielded a 5-1 win.
Knowing they would have to raise their game, the team spent time polishing battle plans in time for their next match against new-comers Iran. Both teams started the game with high spirits, yet it was Iran to snatch the first goal. Without loosing tempo GB were quick to equalise, and with the solid defence of centre Yvette Adkins, ended the half 4-1. In the second half the fight truly begun; Iran had pulled back to 4-4. Now all thoughts turned to attack. Goal followed goal, as the explosive power of the Iranians was matched by the thoughtful positioning of wingers Jessica Luke and Anna Sharkey. GB stayed one step ahead each time, finishing with a 9-7 victory.
Exuding fresh confidence, Great Britain would take on European champions Finland. This marked a great performance in centre for Louise Simpson, who also scored two crucial GB goals for the team. The game was close run, and with the final minute lasting an eternity, the GB women controlled a smart 4-3 win – an impressive end against a challenging opponent.
Having completed the group stage in third position, Great Britain would come up against second placed Japan from the other group.
This team was quite unlike anything Great Britain had yet faced. Although Japan was not powerful in attack, they displayed a phenomenal accuracy for angles, and successfully played on their opponents frustrations. GB was unable to score and finally lost 5-0.
Unfortunately, loosing against Japan subsequently meant loosing a chance to compete at the Paralympic Games 2008. Having only lost to the bronze, silver and gold medallists (Japan, Sweden, and Germany respectively) the Great British women’s team should be proud of their efforts and look forward to world class potential in 2012. |
Bolton home of the Wanderers watched .. in wonder .. as “Goalball rolled into town”
GB2 in high spirits
Eleven countries, from across the globe, including teams from Sweden, Germany, Slovenia and Saudi Arabia descended on Bolton, in April, for the town’s first International Goalball tournament.
Of course GB was represented with one men’s team and two women’s sides in the competition .
The men fielded a team of relative youngsters, eager to gain international experience. Captain, Michael Sharkey said “We’re a very young side at the moment so we’re planning to build for the future, looking particularly to London 2012”.
The late withdrawal of Canada presented Great Britain with the opportunity to enter two women’s teams GB1 and GB2. The second British team; Anna Sharkey, Tara Holden and sisters Jess and Emily Luke, came up trumps representing GB in the finals. The young Turkish team had an unpredictable, challenging game plan so the British women were jubilant at beating them 3-2 to secure a prized Bronze medal
Goalball find out that 'You Can' rely on Canon
The Goalball Sports section was really struggling to digitally capture its sport. Not simply to fill the pages of a photo album but to really use these images advantageously to promote the sport - after all "isn't a picture worth a thousand words"?
With little cash to spare, this was becoming a thorny issue; however their plight didn't fall on deaf ears and Goalball found out first hand that, imaging technology leaders Canon can deliver! Lisa Attfield, Senior Corporate PR/Sponsorship Exec at Canon (UK) Ltd did her very own special version of Samantha in "Bewitched", and speedily donated a brand new digital camera to Goalball in time to capture the prestigious British Goalball Cup.
Thank you Canon.
Women’s goalball squad turn their talents to PR and fundraising
The Women’s Goalball Squad are making a concerted effort to raise funds and awareness over the coming few months. Following on from the ‘Name on a pound’ at the Goalball Cup and the ‘Grand National Sweepstake’ at the Bolton International tournament, two train station collections are being planned.
In addition, a sponsored ‘team triathlon’ is being held at Virgin Active gym in Leeds on Sunday 16th July. This will involve all the squad members running, cycling and swimming as far as they can in a set amount of time.
Prior to this, a ‘Have a go’ day is being held on Saturday 15th July between 10 am and 5pm at Brigshaw High School near Castleford when members of the squad will be on hand to share their experience. Female players of any age and experience are welcome to attend. For further information please contact Kathryn Fielding on 01924 279305 or via kfielding@fdso.co.uk.
Goalball needs more youngsters
Are there any young visually impaired youngsters out there, eleven or over, who would like to take on something new, maybe with the chance to go abroad, to represent their country and to take part in a team sport in which everyone plays on an equal level? If so … Goalball could be the sport for you.
With the London Paralympics coming up in 2012 the Great Britain coaches are looking for new talent.
You will find all the information about the sport and the contact person you need to speak to at www.goalball.co.uk
Or you could contact BBS (British Blind Sport) and they will pass on the relevant information to you.
Hope to see you soon!
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