Each Thursday we want to put the spotlight on a person involved with goalball – from players, officials to coaches, or anyone!
This week we caught up with Dina Murdie
What is your role at Goalball UK/within the goalball world?
For Goalball UK, I am a referee and chairperson of the Competition Committee. Internationally, I am also a referee and a Level 11 Course Conductor which sounds a bit grand! Goalball has kept me very busy over the years.
How did you discover goalball?
Goalball was brought to my attention in the early 1980’s when Clive Spencer, who was already involved in goalball, asked me if I would be interested in becoming involved. At that time British Blind Sport (BBS) were looking to start a women’s squad and I was teaching at Chorleywood College (for girls with little or no sight). Of course, I was interested both as a coach and for the girls. I have been involved ever since.
Is there a particular song, artist, or genre that you listen to before a tournament to get in the mood? Or anything you’re loving at the moment?
My taste in music is varied, but not modern! I favour the country scene more, or musicals, or light classical, or anything that I can sing along to when I am in the car.
Do you have any pre-game superstitions or rituals?
Before a game that I am refereeing, a quiet moment to myself is important. At internationals the whole process is extraordinarily long as we must be at the coin toss which is timed for half and hour before the march-in and referees must be there ten minutes before that. Then there is the march-in, the line-up, and the warmup on court. So, we are on the go for an hour before the game even starts!
Do you have a favourite post-match meal?
I always need a cup of tea after a game! As for food, usually chicken or salmon.
Which goalball player do you admire the most and why?
I admire people who commit to doing a job and always do their best to do it well, whatever the difficulties that they face, and do it cheerfully and quietly. There are many of these people in goalball. They do not go out to play a part for their own good, or money, but do it for others to be able to enjoy the game and play to the best of their ability.
Outside of goalball, what other hobbies/sports do you do?
My hobbies include playing and coaching table tennis. Usually, I have a dog so walking on the hills near home is another hobby and I do like the odd ski holiday as well.
Finally, what place, anywhere in the world, is on your bucket list to visit and why?
Believe it or not, there are some places I have not been to. Overall, places where goalball is not played. South Africa would be top of my list; followed by Patagonia, Chile, and the Antarctic; Vietnam, Cambodia – my list is endless! Maybe one day! There’s no harm in dreaming!
If you would like to be featured on a future ‘Featured Thursday’, please send us a message on social media or via email: enquiries@goalballuk.com
To check out the rest of the articles from our ‘Featured Thursday’ series please use the following link Goalball UK – Featured Thursday
