York St John Goalball player called up to GB squad

A York St John University Goalball club member is celebrating after being selected for the Great British men’s squad in the International Blind Sports Association (IBSA) Goalball class C European Championships.

Jamie Hodgson, who is partially sighted, was called up to team GB following his impressive debut representing England at an international tournament held in Poland earlier this year. He will join stars of the 2012 Paralympics, as they line up against teams from Russia, Italy, Bulgaria, Croatia and Romania at the IBSA Goalball class C European Championships being held in Worcester from 4-9 September. The championships are seen as a crucial step on the road to the Paralympic Games in Rio in 2016, with the top three teams going through to the European class B Championships.

Jamie discovered Goalball in early 2012 after a support worker for his sight loss suggested that he get in touch with the club in York. After only a few minutes on court, Jamie was hooked and his potential was clear to the club coaches. Since then his dedication and commitment to the sport have gone from strength to strength with the support from York St John University Goalball club.

Jamie said:
“I am delighted to have been chosen for the GB squad and can’t wait to take part in the Championships. I am very grateful to York St John University Goalball club for all the encouragement they have given me to get my career up and running and hope to do the club proud.”

Robert Avery, Goalball Secretary and Intermediate Squad Head Coach, added:
“The coaches and players at the club are delighted for Jamie in achieving this recognition for his efforts. He works hard during training sessions, is always keen to learn and is an inspiration to the other players at the club.”

Speaking in response to the announcement that the tournament would be held on UK soil, Mike Reilly, Chief Executive of Goalball UK, said:
“It is a wonderful accolade to be selected to host this world-class tournament. The sport has continued to grow after the fantastic success of the Paralympics. This is a crucial event for the men’s team and they are determined to build on the excellent work of 2012 and do GB proud again.”

Jamie has also been invited to be a VIP at a Celebrating Ability Day held at Energise in York on 20 August. The Celebrating Ability Day is a free celebration of disability sport in York and is open to everyone. It will highlight disabled people’s ability to take part in and play sport, and will showcase the increasing number of sporting opportunities available for disabled people in York. For more information contact Glyn Newberry E: glyn.newberry@york.gov.uk or Jason White E: jason.white@york.gov.uk from the City of York Council, or T: 01904 553377.