Sitting Volleyball Festival Wrap
Volleyball Australia delivered a landmark Sitting Volleyball Festival from 23-27 April at the Australian Institute of Sport (AIS).
Across five days, participants experienced an integrated program designed to grow every layer of the sport, from grassroots to national team standards.
This event was a powerful showcase of inclusion and high performance, bringing together athletes, coaches, referees, classifiers, medical staff and the wider community.
Aligning with World ParaVolley Day on 24 April, the alignment reinforced the festival’s purpose of not only performance development, but to grow a strong, connected and inclusive volleyball community.
Building the Team
A key highlight from the festival was the World ParaVolley Level 2 Coaching Course, led by Canadian national team coach and Paris Paralympic bronze medallist Nicole Ban.
The course placed a strong emphasis on applied learning, with coaches leading drills, coaching teams in match play and engaging in ongoing discussions beyond scheduled sessions.
“The course was a tremendous success. Coaches approached it with curiosity, a willingness to learn, and a genuine desire to improve,” Ban said.
“The opportunity to observe national team athletes and coaches in a world-class daily training environment was incredibly valuable,” she said. “With this approach to development, Australia is on the right path and has a very bright future in sitting volleyball.”
International classifier Jenni Cole led a specialised training program for medical and classification support personnel.
“It was great to see a broad and integrated approach,” she said. “Recognising the role coaches, referees, classifiers and medical staff all play in developing the sport.”
Referee development was embedded throughout the competition, led by International Sitting Volleyball Referee Michael Fitzpatrick.
“By giving athletes the chance to referee, they gain a deeper appreciation of the rules, improve their game awareness, and help build a stronger, more connected volleyball community,” Fitzpatrick said.
Athlete performance and connection
Supported by the AIS and a growing national network, athletes trained, competed and connected in a high performance environment.
“This camp reached a whole new level,” said ACT athlete Carly Salmon.
“The improvement in team cohesion and skill reinforced the value of spending extended time together,” said WA athlete Rachel Williams.
For senior athletes, the camp also highlighted the importance of growing the next generation and strengthening local pathways.
“We can now take this experience back to our local communities and continue building towards LA 2028 and Brisbane 2032,” said NSW’s Japhy Duldig.
Community meets competition
The Stewart Shield Invitational Tournament was held in tandem with the camp, adding to the festival atmosphere.
The tournament became a learning space. Athletes, coaches and officials all contribute to the delivery of matches.
Reinforcing the collaborative and community-driven nature of the sport.
A strong future
The AIS Sitting Volleyball Festival represents a significant step forward for the sport in Australia.
From grassroots participants to national team athletes, and from developing coaches to athletes stepping into officiating roles, the week showcased a unified commitment to growth.
With stronger systems, deeper capability and a connected national network, the momentum is
Save the Date – National Championships
Sitting Volleyball Australian National Championships is set for 5-6 December 2026 on the Gold Coast.
Open to all, the event will be delivered in a mixed team format, reinforcing the inclusive nature of the sport. Whether you’re an experienced player or new to sitting volleyball, now is the time to get involved.
Save the date, get your team together, and be part of the next chapter of sitting volleyball in Australia.
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