Based on an all-volunteer model, all World ParaVolley Foundation-collected funds raised – except a minor sum to cover World ParaVolley Foundation administrative filings and audit expenses – will be re-distributed to organizations that, pursuant to a rigorous grant application process, can deliver programs that match the goals of the World ParaVolley Foundation.
The following are the core focus areas for the World ParaVolley Foundation:
- Realizing the Potential of Emerging Countries
- Women in Sport
- Growing Standing Beach ParaVolley
- Anti-Doping Infrastructure
- Developing the Administrative Capabilities of World ParaVolley
Realizing the Potential of Emerging Countries
Based on the United Nations Human Development Index (HDI), the World ParaVolley Foundation will focus on countries in the lower middle and lower quartile of developing countries. Our focus is on both Sport and Administrative development as both are required for lasting success. It is difficult to be self-sufficient in these countries, and for the physically impaired, the challenges can be almost insurmountable. The goal of the Foundation is to provide programs that will level the playing field and provide opportunities for our para athletes to be contributing members of their local communities.
Sport programs in these emerging countries allow the physically impaired to develop their sport and non-sport skills. Emerging countries’ governments often lack the resources to improve the well-being of the physically impaired. With donors’ help, the WPVF can positively and directly impact the lives of these para athletes. In these countries, sport can be very effective in the rehabilitation and development of the individual and help them become a contributing member of society.
Women in Sport
A critical goal of the WPVF is inclusion and equity for persons with physical impairments. Gender equality is a crucial component to achieving this goal. Around the world, girls and women face unique challenges in sports participation. The challenges for physically impaired girls and women are much more significant in scope. These obstacles are personal, practical, economical, and cultural. To create a successful sport program for girls and women with physical impairments, resources are needed to overcome the obstacles and develop positive, sustainable strategies. In most countries, women lack the appropriate sports apparel, fields, and facilities. Without such, their safety is put at risk.
Women with disabilities have few positive role models. With these obstacles, it is almost impossible for females with a physical impairment to gain government financial support to pursue sports. Hence, their self-image suffers, chances for advancement decrease, and opportunities to contribute to society disappear. We focus on women and girls in the world’s poorest communities because, equipped with the proper resources, women have the power to lift entire families and communities out of poverty. World ParaVolley Foundation programs will allow females with physical impairments to overcome these obstacles and succeed.
Growing Standing Beach ParaVolley
The development of Standing Beach Volleyball will allow small emerging countries with limited resources the opportunity to become involved in ParaVolley and receive the benefits from their involvement with World ParaVolley.
Standing Beach Volleyball will be targeted to sponsors that have a desire to develop their brand by using Standing Beach Volleyball as a platform. Not only will support for Standing Beach Volleyball help develop a sponsor’s brand as a socially responsible company, it will enhance the profile of World ParaVolley and bring more resources into key development programs.
Additionally, Standing Beach Volleyball is more cost-effective for countries to develop. Each team consists of only three athletes reducing the costs of travel, housing, and board significantly for nations looking to participate. Outdoor courts are less expensive to build and maintain than indoor facilities. The climate in many of the world’s emerging countries allows for long, even year-round, outdoor seasons.
It is the aim of World ParaVolley to have Standing Beach ParaVolley in the 2028 Paralympic Games program as a new discipline an aim supported by the International Paralympic Committee.
Anti-Doping Infrastructure
World Para Volley is a signatory to the World Anti-Doping Agency Code to promote clean sports. Being a signatory to the WADA Code means having a robust risk assessment and testing plan that must be approved by WADA – and includes both in and out of competition testing. The risk assessment helps WPV to prioritize its testing efforts in order to have a more effective testing program.
As a signa
tory, WPV has many responsibilities, including managing all high-performance ParaVolley athletes in all our member nation countries across the globe. This is a complex administrative responsibility and an expensive undertaking for a small revenue sport like ParaVolley. It is one of the most significant sport-specific threats to the viability of World ParaVolley.
The recently publicized issues with doping in athletics have forced the World Anti-Doping Agency to increase the compliance obligations of its members, and as a consequence, the costs continue to rise for World ParaVolley. The WPVF is looking for help from its donors in promoting clean sport while at the same time ensuring resources are available to continue a focus on development.
Developing the Administrative Capabilities of World ParaVolley
ParaVolley is one of the most popular sports in the world for persons with a physical impairment. To operate an international sports organization that delivers both competitive opportunities and develops programs requires significant resources.
World ParaVolley is managed by a volunteer board with one part-time staff person. To support current programs and develop a sustainable development model the World ParaVolley Foundation was formed to acquire the resources to support World ParaVolley development work and continue its growth. Part of the mandate of the World ParaVolley Foundation is to develop the resources to ensure that the development programs are sustainable providing donors with a long-term benefit for their contributions.
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