The province of North Brabant would like to be the host province for the European Goalball Championship in 2027, with the municipality of Oss as the host city. Goalball is a Paralympic team sport for people with visual impairments.

The province supports the plan of the national association for Disabled Sports to bring the European Championship to Brabant. The Ministry of Health, Welfare and Sport (VWS) and the municipality of Oss are in discussions about this.

By welcoming the European Goalball Championship in 2027, the province aims to inspire residents, show that everyone can participate and enjoy sports, and draw attention to initiatives such as Unique Sports. The province also makes Unique Sports possible with the goal of encouraging people with disabilities or chronic conditions to be more active.

Bas Maes, Deputy for Sports: “In Brabant, we believe it is important that everyone can participate. The European Goalball Championship shows how sports connect people, regardless of disability, origin, or background. That is why we are happy to support this event, together with the municipality of Oss and other involved parties.”

Hearing, orientation, and cooperation

Goalball is a team sport and one of the two variants of blind football. It is played with a ball containing bells, so players can hear where the ball is. All players are blindfolded, so everyone plays on equal terms. The field is equipped with tactile markings, so players can orient themselves.

Support

The province has expressed its intention to help make the European Goalball Championship possible in Oss and plans to provide financial support for the event as well.