Ontario Volleyball Association sets milestone sitting volleyball camp

TORONTO — The Ontario Volleyball Association (OVA) held its first high-performance sitting volleyball training camp from June 19–22 at Durham College and it served as a golden opportunity for those who want to reach the next level in the sport.

Twenty-four athletes — 12 men and 12 women — were invited to participate. 

With the growth of Para sport over the last two decades, there are more and more opportunities to try sitting volleyball through local programs and school initiatives.  However, this camp wanted to show players their true potential. For some, perhaps they could even one day chase a national team or even Paralympic Games dream.

“This camp is about building a bridge,” said Louis-Pierre Mainville, director of sport development and technology, OVA. “We’re identifying promising Para athletes and giving them the tools, coaching, and competition experience they need to reach the next level.’’

OVA received a $10,000 grant from the CPC’s Paralympic Sport Development Fund (PSDF) for the camp. The PSDF is made possible by the Paralympic Foundation of Canada.

‘’Thanks to the support of the CPC, we were able to run the camp with the same standards and quality as our able-bodied programs, covering accommodations, meals, and heavily subsidizing participation to ensure accessibility,’’ said Mainville.

Seven coaches served as mentors at the camp including Nicole Ban, the head coach of Canada’s women’s sitting volleyball team which won a historic bronze at the 2024 Paralympic Games in Paris. It was Canada’s first ever medal in the sport at the Games.

After an athlete trial was held from February through April with a pre-camp strength and conditioning program, the camp itself provided on-site technical development, fitness training, nutrition workshops, and competitive match play.

‘’The coaches’ leadership and presence were incredibly impactful,’’ said Mainville. “This camp provided athletes, many of whom have limited access to high-performance training environments, with a meaningful and empowering experience.

‘’It’s a critical step toward creating a more inclusive sport system, and we’re proud to be part of that progress.’’

The camp is part of a broader OVA push to expand sitting volleyball across Ontario.

In 2024 alone, more than 2,000 Ontarians took part in OVA-supported sitting volleyball programming, including students with special needs, military families, and competitive Para athletes.

‘’With sitting volleyball gaining traction in schools, communities, and now the post-secondary sector, the OVA’s latest initiative could help pave the way for more Ontario athletes to reach the national and international stage,’’ said Mainville.