Paralympics Fans Discover When to Be Quiet and When to Cheer in Visually-Impaired Sports

PARIS (AP) — A gentle voice from the loudspeaker calms the restless audience: “Shhh. Shhh.”

A whistle sounds.

In an instant, the spectators fall quiet; even the faintest sounds can be heard echoing through the Eiffel Tower Stadium. Although the stands are packed with fans, at times, it feels eerily sparse. Such an atmosphere is rare in sports venues, especially in soccer, where the fans are usually known for their loud and rowdy support.

But this isn’t just any soccer match. This is blind football, one of the two silent sports featured at the 2024 Paris Paralympic Games.

Blind football and goalball are designed for athletes with visual impairments. When one sense is diminished, the others become sharper; in this case, sound becomes crucial.

Both sports utilize a ball that has a rattle or bell inside, allowing players to hear where it’s located. Players communicate loudly with each other as they move across the field, while fans are asked to keep their excitement in check until the ball is out of play. This unique setup creates an environment unlike any other; instead of constant cheering and chants, the fans channel their energy into a focused attention on the game.

Jeferson “Jefinho” Goncalves, a standout blind football player from Brazil, shared through a translator that he and his teammates can feel the crowd’s engagement and energy during the game, heightening their experience on the field.

French fan Jade Sidot, who is 18, noted that watching blind football requires a different level of concentration.

“My dad and I attend various football games,” she shared, comparing it to experiences at regular matches. “Blind football is quite different, but at the same time, I find myself more focused.”

For fans unfamiliar with these sports, it might seem a bit overwhelming to adjust to the unique rules. To help ease this transition, a goalball commentator reassures spectators that they are welcome to make noise: “Noise.” Initially hesitant, the crowd gradually raises their voices to cheer.

During halftime and after key plays, a runner takes the field holding a large sign that reads “GET LOUD!!!!” Typically, cues like this rally the crowd into cheer; here, they serve as clear instructions.

Even with the green light to cheer, some newer fans struggle to hold back their enthusiasm while others remain uncertain about when to join in.

“It’s amusing to watch because I think the people in the stands are nervous and unsure about when to cheer, while I know the game,” said Eliana Mason, a Paralympic goalball player who frequently supports her fiancé, fellow Paralympian Calahan Young, at his matches. “It’s silent, and I’ll shout, ‘Let’s go!’ People look at me, but I reassure them that I know the appropriate moments to cheer.”

When cheering is finally permitted, it erupts into a thunderous roar. Spectators from the Netherlands noted that, during those moments, the applause far exceeds what you’d hear at regular sporting events.

“I felt like I was part of the game when they scored,” said Jamie Koudijs, a 23-year-old Dutch fan who was attending a silent sports event for the first time. “We all go wild, celebrating like, ‘You did it!’ because they can’t see what’s happening.”

This dynamic interplay between the crowd and the players can also pose challenges for the athletes. Jefinho mentioned that it can be tough to find the ball if the audience doesn’t remember to “shhh” at the right times. However, he is hopeful that these distractions will diminish as blind football gains more popularity.

As more people become familiar with blind soccer, both spectators and players will adapt to the noise guidelines and the overall atmosphere.

A recurring sentiment among fans is that their silence is a sign of respect—not only for the athletes but also for the sport itself.

“It’s interesting to see how they conduct themselves and honor the players,” remarked Joaquim Mendes, a 15-year-old Brazilian fan who attended a blind football match between Brazil and Turkey, which Brazil won 3-0.

“I believe the energy remains the same,” Sidot added, reflecting on the same game. “Even though we must stay quiet, I can sense that everyone is genuinely excited to be here.”

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Julianna Russ and Gabriella Etienne are students in the undergraduate certificate program at the Carmical Sports Media Institute at the University of Georgia.

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AP Paralympics: https://apnews.com/hub/paralympic-games