Tre’Shaun Faison Gets Ready for His First Paralympic Games

Tre’Shaun Faison, a young athlete from Orange Park, Florida, is gearing up for a big milestone in his life. He is currently training in Indiana for his very first Paralympic Games, which will take place in Paris.

For those who might not know, the Paralympics are a series of sporting events designed for athletes with disabilities. Faison, who is visually impaired, will be representing Team USA in the goalball competition.

In goalball, every player wears eye shades, making the game a level playing field. Teams consist of six players, and the goal is to throw a ball past the opposing team into their net to score points.

Faison discovered goalball back in middle school while attending the Florida School for the Deaf & Blind in St. Augustine. Ever since, he has dedicated himself to the sport, even joining a residency program last year in 2022.

His journey has taken him to many countries, including Chile and Germany, all thanks to goalball. More than just a sport, Faison sees it as his way of proving the doubters wrong and showcasing his athletic talents. His ultimate dream? To win a gold medal.

Faison believes that with hard work and sacrifices, anything is possible. “You can truly achieve your goals if you put in the effort and make the necessary sacrifices,” he shared. He’s found huge motivation in goalball, showing him that he is indeed an athlete.

Growing up with a visual impairment, Faison sometimes felt out of place compared to his peers, but playing goalball changed that perception. “I always thought I wasn’t athletic, but once I found this sport, it changed everything for me,” he said.

The U.S. goalball teams have a proud history, having won 12 medals in Paralympic Games since 1976. This year, the Paris 2024 Paralympic Games will feature more than 4,400 athletes from around the world, competing in 22 different sports, from August 30 to September 8.