Volleyball has the power to connect, empower, and uplift, no matter your ability. That belief now takes centre stage as World ParaVolley (WPV) and Let’s Keep The Ball Flying (LKTBF) join forces to bring sitting volleyball to communities across the globe.

World ParaVolley are excited to partner with LKTBF, a global non-profit organization dedicated to using volleyball as a tool for social change. The strategic partnership is aimed at promoting inclusivity and accessibility in the sport of volleyball, in all its forms, worldwide.

This collaboration will see sitting volleyball integrated into LKTBF’s initiatives for the first time. By uniting WPV’s expertise in adaptive volleyball with LKTBF’s global reach and commitment to community empowerment, the partnership will create new opportunities for athletes of all abilities to engage with the sport.

Key Objectives of the Partnership:

• Expand LKTBF’s programs to include sitting volleyball, ensuring representation of adaptive sports.
• Incorporate sitting volleyball start-up and coaching resources, such as WPV’s VolleySLIDE, into LKTBF’s educational materials.
• Promote sitting volleyball through joint news articles, cross-organizational branding, and awareness campaigns.
• Provide expert guidance from WPV to LKTBF volunteers, enhancing their understanding of sitting volleyball.
• Educate WPV’s network of over 25 Coach Tutors on LKTBF’s mission and activities.
• LKTBF to support WPV in reaching targeted nations identified for para-volleyball development.

The partnership will commence with a groundbreaking initiative in Tanzania this May, where Matt Rogers (WPV Coaching Team Leader) and Tija Vrhovnik (Slovenian National Team player) will join a group from LKTBF on a social project where they will record video content about sitting volleyball to be included onto their Gear Up Rise Up (GURU) platform, along with providing WPV with video content for its socials and coaching courses.

“This collaboration is a significant step forward in making volleyball truly inclusive for everyone,” said WPV Development Director, Anton Raimondo. “By working with LKTBF, an organization which clearly aligns well with our vision, we are ensuring that sitting volleyball is further recognized as an integral part of the global volleyball community.”

“Our mission is to unite the world through volleyball, and this partnership with WPV aligns perfectly with our values of equality, inclusion, and empowerment,” said Lesley de Jonge, Executive Director of LKTBF. “By incorporating sitting volleyball into our initiatives, we are breaking barriers and fostering opportunities for even more people to enjoy our sports.”

With WPV’s expertise and LKTBF’s passion for leveraging volleyball for social impact, this long-term partnership will drive positive change and elevate the sport’s role in uniting communities worldwide.

About World ParaVolley:

World ParaVolley is the international federation for paravolley sports, including sitting volleyball, beach paravolley, and standing volleyball for disabled athletes. Recognized by the International Paralympic Committee (IPC), WPV is committed to the development and growth of these sports worldwide.

About Let’s Keep The Ball Flying:

Let’s Keep The Ball Flying is a global non-profit organization dedicated to using volleyball as a tool for social change. With the support of over 35 professional volleyball players, LKTBF runs initiatives that promote inclusivity, empowerment, and community development through the sport. For more about Let’s Keep The Ball Flying, view their media kit here.