The convention, which took place in the capital of Bosnia and Herzegovina, welcomed 60 participants from 25 countries, including nine new and potential member states, reflecting sitting volleyball’s growing global reach and momentum. The event, organized by ParaVolley Europe with the support of World ParaVolley, marked an important step forward in strengthening cooperation between regions and strengthening the sport’s development trajectory.
Collaboration throughout Europe and beyond
The convention underlined the importance of alignment between continental and global bodies, with World ParaVolley working closely with ParaVolley Europe to support sustainable growth, knowledge exchange and the integration of new members.
World ParaVolley chairman Juergen Schrapp emphasized the wider significance of the event:
“This convention means a lot to World ParaVolley. Firstly, it shows how important collaboration is: ParaVolley Europe and our global organization work together as one team. Secondly, we have new members here and existing countries represented by their coaches. For me, coaches are the lifeblood of our organization. They develop athletes, they build teams, and bringing them together to communicate, share experiences and learn from each other is a big step forward for our sport.”
Coaching: the engine of development
A central theme during the convention was the critical role of coaches in building sustainable national programs and athlete pathways. Through expert-led sessions, practical workshops and live demonstrations, participants explored:
- Coaching methodology and athlete development
- Building national structures and club systems
- Competitive paths and high-performance environments
- Classification, inclusion and grassroots growth
- Marketing, communication and financing options
- International cooperation and networking
Interactive roundtable discussions and question and answer sessions encouraged delegates to identify practical actions they can implement in their own countries, extending the convention’s impact far beyond Sarajevo.
Learning through practice and shared experience
On-field workshops and an exhibition match with the Bosnia and Herzegovina national team gave participants real-time insight into top performance and bridging theory and practice. These sessions reinforced the value of experiential learning and emphasized the technical and tactical depth of the sport.
In addition to formal sessions, networking opportunities including welcome and closing meetings have fostered new partnerships, strengthened existing relationships and built a shared vision for the future of ParaVolley.
A foundation for future growth
The conference in Sarajevo is more than a successful event; it lays a strong foundation for continued collaboration, education and expansion across Europe and globally. As new countries join the movement and established members deepen their expertise, the ParaVolley community remains stronger, more connected and better equipped to deliver inclusive sporting opportunities worldwide.
As the first edition comes to a close, the momentum it has generated signals a promising future, one driven by collaboration, powerful coaches and a shared commitment to developing sitting volleyball at every level.
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