As the sport continues to evolve across Africa, one country continued to get more people sat on the court and playing both nationally and internationally. Key to the sports development in Uganda is Robinson Tumwesigye, who is well known in that part of the world for pushing and driving the progress felt across his native country. His involvement includes everything from arranging tournaments, refereeing the matches and even announcing the winners!
1 – How did you get involved in Sitting Volleyball?
After been a volleyball referee, my friend and international classifier, Dr. Innocent invited me to join and support sitting volleyball in my country. Along the way I met Denis Le Breuilly who mentored me to be part of development of the sport and drive things forward.
2 – What is it that motivates you each day to further develop our sport?
The need to see para athletes constantly engaged in sport, for both the fun and fulfilment, but also to erase any thought within them that life has come to an end.
3 – What has been your biggest achievement in Sitting Volleyball to date?
For sure, becoming an International referee with the sport and soon to be a World ParaVolley jury member. Being tasked to oversee and organise more development programs by the Development commission too is a sign of trust that I relish and don’t take for granted.
4 – How would you explain Sitting Volleyball to someone in 12 words or less?
The game of possibilities and opportunities to shine brighter.
5 – Where/how do you see Sitting Volleyball in 10 years time?
Having world tour tournaments for both sitting volleyball and beach paravolley with athletes earning money from both clubs and national teams.
The ‘Movers & Shakers’ initiative is aimed at giving more recognition to those that are developing Sitting Volleyball around the globe.
It can be anyone working in the sport, whether they have excelled at promoting it, ran a successful competition, started a new club/activity, organised events to increase awareness, influenced people for the greater benefit of the sport or a combination of the above.
Please do let us know if you know of someone who deserves to be highlighted by e-mailing
volleyslide@worldparavolley.org with the following:
- Full name
- e-mail address
- Country in which they mainly work
- A short justification of why you are putting them forward
Their story will also offer others a chance for others to learn from their good practise and use what works in their area for even greater benefit. This is your chance to give recognition to those who promote and build the sport of sitting volleyball. We look forward to hearing from you.