University Recreation’s accessible recreation program is teaming up with the National Federation of the Blind to host “Goalball” on Wednesday, Feb. 22, from 7-8:30 p.m. in Gym 1 of the Health, Physical Education and Recreation Building in honor of National Recreational Sports and Fitness Day.

University Recreation is offering free guest passes and day lockers to the university community all day. Guests must check in at the UREC membership office, HPER 225.

Goalball is a highly competitive sport that was originally designed for blind athletes. Participants compete in teams of three, indoors on the gym floor.

The objective is to roll a three-pound Goalball past the opposing team without them stopping the ball. If all three players miss the ball and it goes past them, it is considered a goal. The team with the most goals at the end of two 10-minute halves wins the game.

“There’s a catch to the game, you must stop the ball while you are blindfolded,” said Jessica Graham, graduate assistant for University Recreation’s Fitness/Wellness program.

The University Recreation staff decided to host Goalball after Amnol Bhatia, a visually impaired graduate student, pitched the idea to Graham. Bhatia originally wanted UREC to host the game for him and his friends, but decided to make it a larger event and open it up to everyone.

“I want to show how fun, challenging and competitive this game is because I don’t think many people know much about the game,” said Bhatia.

Participation is free and all equipment will be provided. Food and drinks will be provided to participants and spectators.

“We wanted to put on an event that would be not only fun, but accessible to everyone, regardless of fitness level,” said Graham.

• 6:15 to 7:15 a.m.: Group Cycle class will be FREE (regularly $3)
• 10 a.m. to 4 p.m.: Stop by the Personal Training Studio in the Donna Axum Fitness Center for free metabolic rate testing (regularly $25 for students/$35 for UREC Membership)
• 3:30 to 5:30 p.m.: Zumba and Turbo Kick
• 7 to 8:30 p.m.: Goalball Tournament

Multiple universities across the nation will be participating in NIRSA’s (National Intramural-Recreational Sports Association) National Recreational Sports and Fitness Day.

For more information, please contact Sam Fehr at sfehr@uark.edu or 575-7382.