The Canadian Women’s National Sitting Volleyball Team wrapped up an intense weekend of training and community programs at Guildford Recreation Centre in Surrey, BC. This training camp kicked off their season as they begin their journey to the Parapan Am Games in Toronto this August, which is a qualifier for the Rio 2016 Paralympic Games.

Over the course of the weekend beginning Friday, March 27, the nine team members and one hopeful had six high-intensity training sessions, and hosted three community engagement programs. Local athletes include Tessa Popoff of Langley, BC and Shacarra Orr of Jaffray, BC.

A highlight included a visit from Holly Elementary School grade 6 and 7 students who took part in an Atomic sitting volleyball clinic and had a chance to meet and get autographs from national team members. As well, five coaches took part in the coaching clinic offered by Volleyball Canada. All national team training sessions were open to the public to view, and many Surrey residents were intrigued by this discipline of volleyball.

Looking forward to Easter weekend, the Men’s National Sitting Volleyball Team will begin their training season at the Richmond Olympic Oval on Friday, April 3. Try out the sport for yourself during the all ages, all abilities clinic at 1:00pm and stick around to watch the UBC men’s varsity team try their hands at sitting volleyball in an exhibition match against Team Canada at 3:00pm.

Check out the April 3-5 weekend schedule here.

Sitting volleyball is played on a smaller court with a lower net and athletes must have one buttock on the floor at all times. It is a popular Paralympic spectator sport because of the fast-paced action, but there are as of yet very few grassroots opportunities. Volleyball BC’s goal of working with Volleyball Canada, the City of Surrey, the Richmond Olympic Oval, and the UBC Thunderbirds to bring the national teams to BC is to raise awareness about the sport and to inspire new athletes and coaches.