Each Thursday we want to put the spotlight on a person involved with goalball – from players, officials to coaches, or anyone! We want to use the opportunity where we all have to stay at home to get to know each other a little better.
First up is the fantastic Jade Burniston, who plays for West Yorkshire:
How did you discover goalball? I discovered goalball through a friend, I wanted to get more into sports and they recommended goalball. After a while I agreed and then I was hooked. I have a feeling my first tournament match was against Lancashire Lions.
Is there a particular song, artist or genre that you listen to before a tournament to get in the mood? Not particularly I usually just chat to my teammates.
Do you have any pre-game superstitions or rituals? I always have to check my hair to make sure my ponytail is tight enough!
Do you have a favourite post-match meal? It’s got to be TGI Fridays, stuffed bacon skins or spiced prawns followed by sesame chicken strips. After a tournament in Sheffield a few of us go to TGIs in Meadowhall.
Which goalball player do you admire the most and why? Brittany Stead, due to her perseverance and her never giving up attitude to both goalball and life.
Outside of goalball, what other hobbies/sports do you do? I enjoy horse riding but don’t get to do this as much as I would like. I have recently taken up tandem cycling, which once this situation is over with, I’ll be continuing that. Other than that, my treadmill and I are good friends.
Finally, what place, anywhere in the world, is on your bucket list to visit and why? Japan – I want to go in cherry blossom season, to see the shrines and to try all the food and to really experience the overall culture.
