Goalball players to fundraise money by cycling 170 miles for charity

Goalball players from across the UK will be cycling 170 miles of ‘The Way of the Roses ’ to raise money for Goalball UK, a rehabilitation programme for injured soldiers returning from World War Two.

The ‘Way of the Roses’ is the newest of Great Britain's coast-to-coast, long-distance cycle routes and passes through historic cities and landscapes, including the Lune Valley and the Yorkshire Dales.

With a surge in interest from visually-impaired athletes around the country, Goalball UK aims to raise £5,000 to help fund and support new and existing clubs.

Chief executive officer of Goalball UK, Mike Reilly, who will be taking part in the challenge, said: “It has been an incredibly exciting few years for Goalball with involvement both on and off the pitch reaching new heights. With more new clubs in the pipeline, and others growing rapidly, we need to make sure that we can support Goalball players old and new around the country.”

Setting off from Morecombe on the 3 August 2015, the riders will pass through the Yorkshire Dales, Ripon and York before reaching Bridlington on the 6 August 2015, marking the end of the three day challenge.

Each player will wear eye-shades to restrict their sight and will ride a tandem with a fully sighted team member on the route. The group includes a whole spectrum of abilities, including a 13 year old novice Goalball player and members of the Men’s and Women’s Great Britain squads.

Goalball is currently the only Paralympic team sport designed specifically for visually-impaired people. Played with raised markings on the floor, blindfolds are used to ensure an even playing field as players locate the ball through sound.

The sport was originally developed to help with the rehabilitation of soldiers and in recent years has enjoyed a surge in support and participation.

David Knott, Paralympian and men’s Great Britain squad member, added: “Everyone involved in Goalball is tremendously dedicated to the sport. We want as many people as possible to be playing which is what this fundraising is all about. We are training hard and, despite the nerves, are very excited! It’s a beautiful route and we cannot wait to get on our bikes.”

To donate money to the team, please visit https://www.justgiving.com/GoalballUK-c2c or for more information, visit the Goalball UK website: www.goalballuk.com/.