Texas School For Blind, Visually Impaired Teen Competing In Hungary Athletic Competition

AUSTIN, TX — An Austin teenage athlete from the Texas School for the Blind and Visually Impaired is headed to the World Games in Hungary this summer, officials said Wednesday.

A foster child, Davieon Perez, 17, has overcome challenges in his young life, including blindness and growing up in the child welfare system. But those obstacles haven't stopped him from his athletic pursuits, making it to the Youth Paralympics team in Goalball, a sport designed for blind and visually impaired athletes using a weighted ball with small bells in it.

In Goalball each team has three players on a court the size of a volleyball court. Teams defend their goal which stretches the entire width of the court (9 meters), while attempting to score in the team's other end. The ball is rolled or bounced by the players to try to score. It is a challenging and exciting game to play and to watch.

On June 12th, Perez will travel to Fort Wayne, Ind. to train and play in the National Championships, followed by a trip to World Games in Hungary staged from June 30 to July 7. He’s one of only six athletes chosen after making the All-American Youth Team for the second year in a row at the USABA National High School Goalball Championships.

"Thanks to a successful GoFundMe page along with monetary donations from the Lion’s Club and Child Protective Services, supporters have cobbled together the required $4,000 for travel expenses, ensuring all Davieon sees is possibility!" Texas Department of Family and Protective Services officials said with palpable excitement.

For detailed information on the Paralympic spot of goalball click here.

>>> Above: Courtesy photo of Davieon Perez playing goalball