Strengthening the Future of Sitting Volleyball in the Americas

World ParaVolley and ParaVolley Pan America Hosts Successful 2025 Introductory Course

As part of its comprehensive development strategy, World ParaVolley and ParaVolley Pan America (PVPA) proudly hosted the 2025 Introductory Sitting Volleyball Course, a key milestone in the organization’s mission to expand and professionalize the sport across the continent. Held virtually on April 10, 16, 23, and 30, the course brought together 45 coaches from 13 countries, all eager to gain foundational knowledge and tools to build sitting volleyball programs in their respective nations.

The course was led by two highly respected figures in the para sport community:

• Lic. Lázaro Beltrán (USA), PVPA Coaching Commissioner and experienced international coach

• Prof. Geni Tunney Cañón Reyes (Colombia), PVPA Development Director and WPV International Coach

Each day featured 2.5 hours of high-quality instruction, blending theory, practice, and strategic insights. The course was designed not only to teach sitting volleyball fundamentals, but also to inspire coaches to become ambassadors for the sport in their local communities.

A Strategic Step for Continental Growth

The main objective of the course was clear: to foster the development of new athletes and coaches as a foundation for the long-term growth of sitting volleyball throughout the Americas. This aligns with World ParaVolley’s global vision of inclusion, opportunity, and excellence in the sport.

What set this course apart was its comprehensive curriculum, tailored to those new to sitting volleyball, yet ambitious in scope. Participants were introduced to technical, tactical, and organizational aspects of the game, as well as broader themes essential to sustainable sport development.

A Diverse and Rich Program of Learning

The sessions were led by a team of experts from Colombia and the United States, offering perspectives rooted in both experience and innovation. Topics covered included:

1. Functional Classification Fundamentals
   Dr. Viviana Ostos Quintero (Colombia), WPV Level 1 Functional Classifier, provided insight into how athlete classification works, its purpose, and its impact on fair competition.

2. Refereeing Basics and Best Practices
   Carlos Ortiz Conde (Colombia), International Referee, introduced the core rules of the game and shared tips for effective officiating, helping participants understand the game from a neutral perspective.

3. The Role of Research in Sport Development
   Prof. Jason Danilo Morales Aguilar (Colombia) emphasized the value of research, data, and innovation in building stronger programs and understanding athletes’ needs.

4. Planning and Structuring Training Sessions
   Lic. Lázaro Beltrán (USA) guided participants through the creation of effective training plans, based on international standards and tailored to the specific needs of sitting volleyball.

5. North American Development Model
   Lázaro Beltrán also shared lessons learned from the United States’ model of sitting volleyball development—an important reference for countries seeking to build or improve their own structures.

6. Getting Started: Recruitment and Initial Training
   Prof. Geni Tunney Cañón Reyes focused on strategies to attract and engage new athletes, often the most challenging and critical stage in launching a program.

7. Coach Motivation and Community Engagement
   Recognizing that coaches are the heart of any sport, Prof. Tunney delivered a powerful session on the importance of passion, leadership, and community connection.

8. Latin American Development Strategies
   Drawing from regional realities, Prof. Tunney proposed a culturally and logistically adapted approach for growing the sport across Latin America.

9. Coach Responsibilities and Long-Term Impact
   The final session reminded participants of the long-term role coaches play—not only in sport performance but also in athlete empowerment, inclusion, and wellbeing.

Continental Representation and Shared Purpose

The course welcomed coaches from a wide range of countries including Mexico, Costa Rica, Nicaragua, El Salvador, Panama, Cuba, Colombia, Venezuela, Bolivia, Peru, Brazil, Argentina, and Chile. This broad participation demonstrates the growing interest in sitting volleyball across the region and the shared commitment to making the sport accessible to all.

Throughout the course, participants engaged actively—asking questions, sharing experiences, and reflecting on their local contexts. At the end of the program, all 45 coaches completed a final assessment, marking the first step in what is hoped to be a long journey of contribution to sitting volleyball.

Collaboration and Support

The success of this initiative was further strengthened by the collaboration of Mr. Matt Rogers, World ParaVolley’s Director of Coaching, who provided guidance and support to ensure the course aligned with international standards and best practices.

Looking Ahead

This course is just the beginning. By equipping a new generation of coaches with the skills, knowledge, and inspiration to lead, PVPA is planting the seeds for a stronger, more inclusive future for sitting volleyball in the Americas. More educational initiatives, in-person training, and competitive opportunities are being planned to ensure continuity and sustainable growth.

World ParaVolley Pan America thanks all the speakers, participants, and collaborators for making this course a success and invites all member nations to continue building together a vibrant and united sitting volleyball community across the continent.