Camilo Glas, who is visually impaired due to a condition from birth, found joy and community in the sport of goalball, which caters to athletes with visual challenges. Since being adopted in the U.S. at 8, he has played goalball for over 12 years and joined a more competitive team in 2022. His journey highlights the sport’s empowering nature, supported by his wife Kelly, who now coaches the team, creating a motivating environment.
Goalball is a competitive sport designed for athletes with visual impairments, prominently featured in the Paralympics. The objective is straightforward: teams strive to score by throwing a ball, which is nearly three pounds and the size of a basketball, into their opponent’s goal. Unique to the sport, the ball contains bells, allowing players to track its movement audibly, while all participants wear blackout shades to ensure equality in gameplay.
Camilo Glas, who was born in Colombia with a condition known as retinopathy of prematurity, has never had the ability to see due to underdeveloped retinas. He was adopted at the age of eight and only then did he encounter team sports. Camilo’s exploration of goalball has spanned over 12 years, entering competitive play more seriously in 2022 with the support of the Mary Free Bed-sponsored team, which involved rigorous practice and tournament travel.
In sharing his experiences, Camilo emphasized the profound impact of engaging with fellow athletes who also face disabilities. “Being part of that environment where you have a lot of like-minded and driven individuals who don’t let blindness and the disability define them has been such a rewarding and incredibly uplifting environment,” he stated. The camaraderie and support within this community have been especially transformative for him.
Camilo attended Cornerstone University, where he met his wife, Kelly Glas. She described her husband’s remarkable abilities, stating, “He’s really capable of doing just about anything and he will never let somebody limit him when it comes to that.” Kelly’s involvement in the sport grew as she began assisting at practices, ultimately becoming the team’s coach.
Kelly enjoys observing the team’s dynamics and the mutual encouragement they provide one another. She expressed, “It’s been awesome. Just getting to see how the team interacts with each other and how they’ve been able to lift each other up.” Her enthusiasm in guiding the team serves as a beneficial asset in both coaching and during games.
The joy of participating in goalball is significant to Camilo, who appreciates his experience in the sport deeply. He remarked, “Playing goalball has given me so much joy and it’s something I’ll never take for granted,” highlighting the importance of physical activity and teamwork in cultivating a fulfilling life despite challenges.
Camilo Glas’s journey from Colombia to the United States exemplifies the transformative power of sports such as goalball for visually impaired individuals. By embracing the sport, he has not only fostered personal growth but has also formed a supportive community among fellow athletes. The involvement of his wife, Kelly, further enriches his experience, adding a familial dynamic that enhances teamwork and motivation. Together, they emphasize the importance of not letting disabilities define one’s potential and the enriching experience sports can provide.
Original Source: www.fox17online.com
