Paralympics - Blind soccer/football is blowing my mind.

[3catwoman3]

I didn't even know, until yesterday, that such a thing existed. The ball emits sounds while in motion, and the spectators must remain silent, unless a goal is scored, so the players can hear the ball. Running at all, without being able to see, is amazing enough. Being able to find, kick, and aim the ball is astounding. 4 field players to a side, who wear eye covers so that those with any residual sight to not have any advantage over those with no vision. The goalie is allowed to have some vision.

And swimming without arms! Archery without arms!

Watching these athletes is both inspiring and humbling.

[underpants]

1. Check out goalball

Invented after WWII (I think) for blind veterans. Everyone wears sleep shades so there’s no advantage for those with some sight and the sighted can play too.