Australia is ranked eighth out of the 10 sides competing in London with world number-one nation China (pictured below) and reigning Paralympic champions, the United States, the favourites going into the Games.

Russia and Canada will also be in contention for medals, while Finland could make a surprise challenge after winning the Malmo InterCup earlier this year.

Australia, participating at the Paralympics for the first time since its home Games in Sydney 12 years ago, has been pitted in a group with Canada, the US, Sweden and Japan as it bids to win a place in the quarter-finals.

The other group features China, hosts Great Britain, Denmark, Brazil and Finland.

"Our aim is to better that ranking," said Jennifer Blow (pictured top), a key part of the Australian team.

"We're a relatively new team compared to the rest of the world.

"But we're not counting out winning a medal.


"We're here to shake things up and prove a point.

"We're here to show the world that Australia's there and we can do it just as well as anyone else."

The team has been preparing at a Paralympic team camp in Cardiff, Wales, since last week.

Head coach Georgina Kenaghan is looking to boost the sport's profile in Australia with a good performance in London.

"This exposure to the public is an opportunity that comes around rarely," Kenaghan said.

"So we hope that not only do people support us and watch the games but a lot of people get into the sport.

"It would be great to have some new juniors turning up to our state goalball associations."

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