Picking up from yesterday –
As the day went on, we got kids who were younger and younger. In our last couple of matches, we had people who’d never played before. So, what they decided to do was to have an adult with every child who would help them along the way.
I got to guide one of the children. It was a fun and unique experience. First, I was pretty happy that I actually knew enough about Goalball by that time in the day that I could sort of teach someone how to play it.
Second, it was interesting to try and help someone in the course of the game because how do you help someone when the whole point of the game is to pay attention to the bells inside this ball? Sound is so important that you can’t really verbally coach them.
But you don’t want to just manhandle them moving them without speaking – especially when they can’t see, you ’cause I’m sure that does not feel good!
I just tried to kind of basically very quietly say things, or sort of just use my presence, tapping the ground or whatever. Granted, since the game was moving very slowly with explanations, it wasn’t a high pressure situation or anything.
While we’re talking about things that were quite awesome about the day, another thing I loved was at the beginning of the day when all the athletes were in the gym, people led everyone through little morning exercises. I love any volunteer event that gives me an excuse for a mini workout!
Overall, I would say it was a good day full of learning, and I’m glad I got the opportunity to go!