The next chapter of the partnership between World ParaVolley (WPV) and Let’s Keep The Ball Flying (LKTBF) heads to Colombia, where a team of international coaches, athletes and educators will work alongside local communities while creating educational resources to support the growth of sitting volleyball worldwide.
Following a successful collaboration in Tanzania in 2025, World ParaVolley and Let’s Keep The Ball Flying (LKTBF) are continuing their shared mission of making volleyball more inclusive, with Colombia becoming the latest destination on that journey.
More than a development project, the initiative reflects a growing partnership built around expanding access to sitting volleyball, supporting local communities and creating educational resources that will benefit coaches, athletes and volunteers around the world.
A world-class team for the next chapter
Representing World ParaVolley in Colombia is a diverse team bringing together experience from every level of the game.
The on-the-ground World ParaVolley team includes:
- Nicky Nieves – USA Sitting Volleyball athlete, multiple-time Paralympian and passionate advocate for growing the sport (3–8 August)
- Nicole Ban – Head Coach of the Canadian Women’s National Sitting Volleyball Team and World ParaVolley Coach Tutor
- Anton Raimondo – World ParaVolley Development Director, Paralympian and long-time leader in the global development of sitting volleyball
Working alongside the LKTBF team, they will deliver coaching sessions, engage with local participants and contribute to activities designed to introduce more people to sitting volleyball while strengthening opportunities for long-term participation.
Throughout the project, the team will also document their experiences through videos and social media, offering an inside look at the people, communities and stories behind the programme.
Creating a lasting impact
One of the key objectives of the Colombia project is the creation of new educational content that will support World ParaVolley’s global coach education programme.
Training sessions, practical demonstrations and coaching insights captured during the project will become valuable learning resources that can be used by coaches and National Federations around the world, extending the impact of the initiative far beyond Colombia.
“This collaboration continues to demonstrate how volleyball can truly be a sport for everyone,” said Matt Rogers. “Working alongside Let’s Keep The Ball Flying allows us to reach new communities, share the values of inclusion and create resources that will help develop sitting volleyball around the world.”
For Anton Raimondo, the project is another opportunity to share the sport that has shaped his life.
“I’m thrilled to travel to Colombia, spread my passion for Sitting Volleyball, collaborate with great people, and cherish this time and experience with my son.”
For Nicole Ban, joining the partnership was an easy decision.
“I have admired the work that Let’s Keep The Ball Flying has done from afar, so I’m especially excited to be joining the group. I’m looking forward to continuing to share the sport I love with communities around the world.”
A partnership built for the future
The continued collaboration between World ParaVolley and Let’s Keep The Ball Flying demonstrates a shared commitment to using volleyball as a platform for inclusion, education and opportunity.
Together, the organisations are working to:
- Expand access to sitting volleyball in emerging regions.
- Equip coaches, teachers and community leaders with practical education.
- Create high-quality learning resources that can be used worldwide.
- Inspire more people of all abilities to discover and enjoy the sport.
As the team heads to Colombia, they carry more than coaching expertise, they carry a shared vision of a world where sitting volleyball is accessible, inclusive and thriving in every region.
Follow the journey on World ParaVolley and Let’s Keep The Ball Flying social media channels as the next chapter of this global partnership unfolds.
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