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Ana Carolina Duarte named as new goalball Athlete Representative

Date: March 1, 2019

Category: Goalball

Brazilian Paralympian Ana Carolina Duarte has been named as the new Athlete Representative on the International Blind Sports Federation (IBSA) Goalball Sport Committee.
 
Duarte, who has been competing on the international stage since 2004, replaces Martin Enggaard Pedersen who was the representative for nearly seven years.
 
“When I received the invitation, I was very grateful to be able to represent the athletes in our federation, because during that period [since 2004] I have observed the main needs as an athlete,” Duarte said.
 
The Brazilian was part of the women’s team that won bronze at the 2018 IBSA Goalball World Championships in Malmo, Sweden – their first medal at that level. In doing so, the side also qualified for the Tokyo 2020 Paralympic Games where they will try for a maiden podium finish.
 
Duarte will be the athlete voice on the sport committee, representing the views of her peers and ensuring they are taken into account in decision-making.
 
The player, who gained her impairment at the age of 12 and is recognised for her unique backwards throw through her legs, sent a message to all goalball athletes:
 
“My intention is as a representative and to be available for questions, critiques and suggestions and serving as a link between athletes and IBSA. Count on me for everything you need.”

Ana Carolina Duarte holds her arms in the air at the conclusion of the bronze medal match at the 2018 IBSA Goalball World Championships
 
The 2019 IBSA Goalball season is packed with action. A qualifier for the Tokyo 2020 Paralympics will take place in Fort Wayne, USA, from 2-9 July. The youth World Championships then head to Penrith, Australia from 2 August before the Lima 2019 Parapan American Games in Peru from 23 August.
 
European A and Asia/Pacific Championships will round off the competition calendar in October and December, also offering tickets to Tokyo 2020.
 
The full IBSA Goalball calendar for 2019 can be viewed at the IBSA website.
 
Goalball athletes can contact Duarte on email at any time via [email protected].
 

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