Two years before the Paralympic Games in Paris, the French Volleyball Federation (FFVB) has decided to highlight this still confidential practice in France.
In charge of mission within the FFVB, Quentin Dolo explains the many advantages of this discipline.
How would you introduce sitting volleyball to someone new to the sport?
QUENTIN DOLO.
Above all, it's still volleyball, the rules are the same, except that you can't get up.
It's a real sport, which requires a strong sense of balance and significant sheathing in the pelvic girdle.
It does not fall within the framework of health sport but it could claim it.
It's practical and fun.
What are the health benefits of this practice?
If I dared, I would say that sitting volleyball is one of the best sports for building a nice abdominal belt.
The player is on his buttocks, not allowed to straighten up, but he must always seek the perfect balance so as not to tip backwards or forwards on his legs.
To achieve this, he must constantly contract the abs and, therefore, make them work a lot.
It is ideal for working the abs.
“The Paris Games in 2024 are a good carrot, the objective is to find clubs on the whole of French territory”, explains Quentin Dolo.
LP/Icon Sport/Hugo Pfeiffer
Doesn't this practice suffer from its image?
In the 1980s or 1990s, sitting on the ground could be experienced as degrading, this is no longer the case.
Society has changed its view of disability.
It's no longer a barrier.
Fortunately.
This is one of the most inclusive practices: people with disabilities are on the same level as other players.
It makes it possible to reduce inequalities between one and the other.
This discipline highlights beautiful values such as diversity — women can play with men — or diversity, because everyone can practice.
It's a great life lesson.
It is one of the most inclusive practices.
There are only ten clubs that offer this activity in Île-de-France...
The practice is growing nicely.
The Volleyball Federation obtained the delegation of this practice in 2017. Since then, there have been almost two blank years due to the Covid, but seated volleyball has nevertheless experienced rapid and significant development.
There is a curiosity effect.
The Paris Games in 2024 are a good carrot, the objective is to find clubs throughout France.