Colorado Springs – Tayler Moses, a recent graduate of the Colorado School for the Blind, has earned a spot on the United States Youth Goalball team. Goalball, a Paralympic sport that blends elements of bowling and soccer, requires players to wear eye shades that block all vision and to rely on sound to locate a rattling ball that they throw at the opposing net.
Preparing for Kazakhstan
The youth squad will travel to Kazakhstan for the World Championship later this year. For many of the young athletes, including Moses, the trip represents a rare chance to compete on the international stage and to showcase the skill and determination of blind athletes across the nation.
Unlike the senior USA Goalball team, which receives federal grants and sponsorships, the youth team must raise the majority of its travel expenses on its own. The cost of flights, lodging, equipment, and tournament fees adds up to tens of thousands of dollars.
Local fundraising effort
To help cover those costs, a nationwide fundraiser is underway through Panda Express. Colorado residents can order online and use the code 9017040; the restaurant will donate 28% of the sale to the youth team. The campaign runs all day Wednesday, and organizers are encouraging the community to spread the word.
In addition to the corporate fundraiser, Moses has set up a personal donation page where supporters can contribute directly. Friends, family, and fellow community members have already begun sharing the link on social media, emphasizing the pride they feel in seeing a local athlete represent the United States abroad.
Why Goalball matters
Goalball offers blind and visually impaired athletes a competitive outlet that emphasizes teamwork, spatial awareness, and auditory skill. Players must quickly react to the sound of the ball’s internal rattles, using their bodies to block shots and create scoring opportunities. The sport’s fast‑paced action and reliance on communication make it a compelling showcase of ability rather than limitation.
For Moses, the experience is also personal. “Growing up at the Colorado School for the Blind, I always dreamed of playing at the highest level,” he said. “Representing our country and showing other young people with vision loss that they can achieve great things is a huge honor.”
Community support and future outlook
The Colorado Springs community has a history of rallying behind its athletes, and this effort is no different. Local businesses, churches, and civic groups have offered to host donation drives, and several schools have scheduled assemblies to raise awareness about Goalball and the upcoming championship.
Organizers hope that the combined fundraising initiatives will not only fund the trip but also lay the groundwork for a more sustainable support system for future youth teams. By building a network of local donors and corporate partners, they aim to reduce the financial burden on young athletes and allow them to focus on training and competition.
As the team finalizes its preparations, Moses and his teammates remain focused on both the athletic challenge ahead and the gratitude they feel toward the community that is helping make their journey possible.
Original reporting: KRDO (Colorado Springs metro) — read the source article.
