IPC sends condolences to family of Lithuanian goalball player Marius Zibolis

Zibolis led the Lithuanian team to two silver and a bronze medal in the men’s goalball event at the Paralympic Games 20 Jan 2023

ⒸIPC

By IPC

The International Paralympic Committee (IPC) sends its condolences to the family, friends and teammates of Marius Zibolis, a long-time captain of the Lithuanian men’s goalball team, who passed away aged 48.

Zibolis took up goalball when he was 13 years old and became one of the most decorated athletes in the sport. He made his Paralympic debut at Sydney 2000, where he helped his team capture the silver medal in the men’s goalball event.

Zibolis also earned a silver medal at Beijing 2008 and a bronze medal at Tokyo 2020.

We are devastated to announce the death of Lithuanian Paralympian and goalball legend Marius Zibolis. He was true champion and a great friend. RIP legend, we’ll miss you forever 💛💚❤️ pic.twitter.com/lcPKofgkZc
— Paralympics Lithuania (@ParalympicsLTU) January 19, 2023

Andrew Parsons, IPC President, said: “I’m sad to hear about the tragic passing of Marius. The condolences of IPC and all the Paralympic Movement are with his family, friends, and Paralympic friends.

“Marius was a wonderful competitor whose talents were known throughout the world. Over the last three decades, and under his captaincy, he had made Lithuania a powerhouse in goalball.

“He leaves an important legacy of having advanced the sport of goalball, Para sport and disability inclusion in Lithuania.”

The Lithuanian goalball legend also won numerous medals at the World Championships and the European Championships since he started playing for the national team in 1990.