Sitting Volleyball
WHO PLAYS? Sitting volleyball is an adaptive version of the standing game but in our gym EVERYONE is welcome to play. It is a different and fun way to experience the game of volleyball. At Triangle you will see people of all ages, genders and physical abilities on the court playing [individuals with/without physical disabilities]. You do not have to have any volleyball experience or be a member of Triangle Volleyball Club to participate in our program. This program is a free service and is open to anyone in the community. Come out and PLAY!
WHY? Sitting Volleyball is an on-going service project we provide to the community. Our goal is to serve as the local source for adaptive volleyball. We have participants [players with and without physical disabilities] who attend regularly and use this opportunity to play volleyball.
HISTORY? Sitting Volleyball is a recognized Paralympic sport. It is a great activity for people who are recovering from injuries like TBI [Traumatic Brain Injury] and surgical amputation but our experience has proven that it is an activity that can be accessible for a range of physical disabilities. The sitting version of volleyball was originally developed for our returning military members after WWII but it has evolved into so much more. Sitting volleyball has been included in programs like the ‘Valor Games’ and the ‘Invictus Games’ for our injured military.
WHAT? We offer free training/competition during the months of September – May. Our program typically targets youth [on Sundays] and adults [on Tuesdays; serving primarily military veterans]. We have a device designed by the engineering school at Duke University that enables a person with a spinal cord injury to play while seated on the floor. This device could be beneficial to an individual who requires additional support to remain seated and play volleyball. This device allows the user to have an increased involvement while playing the game and it allows us to expand our program to include a larger, more diverse group of people.
WHERE? All our sessions take place at our facility [Triangle Volleyball Club].
WHEN? Youth Sitting Volleyball Open Play – Sessions are held September through May on Sunday, once per month [230-4pm]. This program targets youth with physical disability [although all are welcome to come and experience sitting volleyball]. Youth athletes with physical disability join staff, athletes, and family members for an afternoon of fun at Triangle.
| Sept. 15—Youth Open Play | Dec. 8—Youth Open Play | Mar. 8—Youth Open Play |
| Oct. 13—Youth Open Play | Jan. 12—Youth Open Play | Apr. 26—Youth Open Play |
| Nov. 17—Youth Open Play | Feb. 9—Youth Open Play | May 10—Youth Open Play |
WHEN? Adult Sitting Volleyball Open Play – Sessions are held September through May on the first & third Tuesday* of the month [10am-1230pm]. This program targets adults with physical disability [although all are welcome to come and experience sitting volleyball]. This program is held in partnership with the Durham VA’s [Veteran’s Affairs] Outpatient Recreational Therapy Group. Adults with physical disability join adult coaches and adult volunteers at Triangle. Volleyball playing experience is a plus for volunteers; youth players are welcome to volunteer with prior approval. In 2018, we established our first competitive, veteran sitting volleyball team. Members of our sitting volleyball team attend regular practices and compete in 2-3 events per season.
| Sept. 3 – Adult Practice | Dec. 3 – Adult Practice | Mar. 3 – Adult Practice |
| Sept. 17 – Adult Practice | Dec. 17 – Adult Practice | Mar. 17 – Adult Practice |
| Oct. 1 – Adult Practice | Jan. 7 – Adult Practice | Apr. 4 – Set2Hit Tournament [VA]* |
| Oct. 15 – Adult Practice | Jan. 21 – Adult Practice | Apr. 7 – Adult Practice |
| Nov. 5 – Adult Practice | Feb. 4 – Adult Practice | Apr. 21 – Adult Practice |
| Nov. 16 – Signing Day [@Triangle]* | Feb. 18 – Adult Practice | May 5 – Adult Practice |
| Nov. 19 – Adult Practice | Feb. 29 – MAPL Raleigh Tournament* | May 19 – SE Valor Games* |
*Events highlighted in blue are scheduled for the Triangle Adult Sitting Volleyball team.
HOW CAN YOU HELP?
- Invite a person from your community to come and play. Is there a person you know that might be able to benefit from an adaptive sport? Reach out to that person and INVITE them!
- Come and PLAY! Our goal is to provide enough players at each session [both able-bodied and those with physical disabilities] so that the sessions will be fun and energetic. No group is excluded: able-bodied/disabled, military/non-military, young/old, male/female, experienced/inexperienced, member/non-member. If you are a student-athlete seeking service hours, this is a great way to earn hours while living out our club’s mission.
- Spread the word! Post information about our program at your school or in your community. Tell others about our program and help them get involved.
If you are an adult or youth who is interested in serving as a volunteer in any of our regularly scheduled outreach programs [Sitting Volleyball or Gigi’s Playhouse] click HERE to sign up. A completed waiver will be required to be on file for anyone participating.
QUESTIONS? If you have any questions, please reply to Jenna Hinton.