World ParaVolley kicks off its powerful new partnership with Let’s Keep The Ball Flying (LKTBF) as all eyes turn to Tanzania this week for a landmark project that will bring sitting volleyball to new communities for the very first time.  Leading the line are Matt Rogers, WPV Coaching Team Leader, and Tija Vrhovnik, a standout Slovenian sitting volleyball player and passionate advocate for inclusion within sport.  Look out for their vlogs on social media as they profile their journey, impact and experiences.

This trip marks the beginning of an inspiring collaboration between WPV and LKTBF—two organisations united by the belief that volleyball can uplift, connect, and empower people of all abilities. And for the first time, sitting volleyball will be integrated into LKTBF’s programming, creating new pathways for participation and representation in adaptive sport.

“This collaboration is a significant step forward in making volleyball truly inclusive for everyone,” said Matt, “LKTBF is an organisation which clearly aligns well with the WPV vision for sitting volleyball and by working together we are ensuring that it is further recognised as an integral part of the global volleyball community.”

The Tanzania Project: Sport for Social Change

Matt Rogers and Tija Vrhovnik will travel to Tanzania alongside LKTBF volunteers as part of a social impact initiative that blends education, empowerment, and visibility. 

One of these is John Kessel, former WPV Development Director and now Life Member, who is now the Guru Head Coach for Let’s Keep the Ball Flying.  John brings decades of coaching expertise and a passion for teaching the fundamentals of Sitting Volleyball. Known for his innovative approaches, he guides the GURU program’s educational content by utilising his expertise to ensure every lesson is grounded in proven strategies and real-world experience.

Together they will lead sitting volleyball activities, engage with local communities, and record inspiring educational video content for WPV coaching courses and social media channels, as well as the LKTBF Gear up, Rise up coaching community platform.  Check it out here: lktbf.org/guru 

“We’re excited to help promote sitting volleyball in the region and plant seeds for longer-term impact around the world,” said John. “It’s about more than sport—it’s about fostering belonging, and utilising the opportunity to help others for years to come.”

Meet Tija Vrhovnik: Athlete, Advocate, and Ambassador

Tija Vrhovnik brings more than sitting based skills to this mission—she brings her story, her voice, and a deep personal understanding of sport’s power to inspire and connect.

“The first sport I seriously engaged in was football, but it was sitting volleyball that really opened the door for me,” she shared. “It helped me start embracing my differences instead of hiding them. That’s the kind of transformation I hope to share with others.”

Since discovering sitting volleyball in 2017, Tija has become a central figure in Slovenian para sport. She presents parasport to children through the Slovenian Paralympic Committee’s Become an Athlete program, organises an annual international sitting beach volleyball tournament, and is completing her master’s degree in psychology, with a focus on the impact it has within sport.

“I joined this project because I truly believe that sport can bring about meaningful social change,” she said. “Sitting volleyball is a beautiful, inclusive sport that can be played by people with and without disabilities. It breaks down barriers—and builds connections.”

A Vision for Inclusive Growth

This trip to Tanzania is just the beginning. With WPV’s technical expertise and LKTBF’s powerful network and grassroots approach, the partnership is built on shared goals:

• Expanding representation of adaptive sports in underserved regions
• Equipping volunteers and communities with coaching tools like WPV’s VolleySLIDE
• Sharing inspiring stories and educational content to normalise and celebrate parasport
• Training and supporting local leaders to carry the movement forward

As Matt and Tija set off for Tanzania, they carry more than a volleyball, they carry a vision for a world where sport is truly for everyone.  Which is a place where Sitting Volleyball will thrive.

Follow their journey and be part of this milestone in inclusive sport by staying connected with World ParaVolley and Let’s Keep The Ball Flying on social media.  Look out for their social content this week using the hashtag #Volley4all