GREAT Britain’s men’s sitting volleyball team will be making their debut at the BT Paralympic World Cup in Manchester next month, ahead of the European Championships in Rotterdam in October.
They will be taking on The Netherlands in an International Match staged during the annual elite disability sporting event.
The team, who have not competed at a Paralympic Games before, will be looking to make an impression in front of a home crowd as they look upon the event as vital preparation to qualify for their first Games next year in London, as well as in establishing themselves on the international scene.
As the squad await endorsement for London 2012, every tournament and match is crucial to their progress.
Richard Callicott, president of the British Volleyball Federation and Volleyball England, said:
“We are delighted that sitting volleyball is to be included in the 2011 BT Paralympic World Cup. Our sport has grown significantly in the past couple of years and we look forward to showcasing our exciting sport to a much wider audience.”
Team captain Robert Richardson said: “Sitting volleyball is an action-packed game full of skill, strength and agility.
“It is a fantastic game to watch and it’s a great opportunity for us to show what the team do ahead of London 2012.
“We have a young squad who are all relatively new to the game but have made huge strides over the last 18 months.
“We hope to show this to everyone in Manchester attending the Paralympic World Cup.”
Charlie Walker, a double amputee on the team who contracted meningitis whilst training with the bomb disposal unit in the British Army, first tried the sport in 2009 and has since become an integral part of the team.
Walker said: “I went to the BT Paralympic World Cup as a spectator a few years ago and it was a great experience.
“The crowds were fantastic and the exposure will be great for sitting volleyball. Our games against The Netherlands are always close so it should be a really exciting match for the spectators too.”
The GB squad comprises:
Netra Rana (Surrey Gators)
Justin Phillips (Surrey Gators)
Sam Scott (FDSW Celtic Dragons)
John Worrall (East London Lynx)
Ivan Cosic (East London Lynx)
Asghar Nasimi (East London Lynx)
Robert Richardson (Surrey Gators)
Anton Raimondo (East London Lynx)
Richard Dobell (Surrey Gators)
Charlie Walker (Surrey Gators)
James Roberts (FDSW Celtic Dragons)
Ben Hall (Surrey Gators)
John Munro (East London Lynx)
Muzaffar Jabber (East London Lynx)
Schedule:
May 23-26: Wheelchair basketballs, Manchester Regional Arena
May 25: Sitting volleyball, Manchester Regional Arena
May 26: Boccia, Manchester Regional Arena
May 27: Athletics, Manchester Regional Arena
May 27-28: Swimming, Manchester Aquatics Centre
Channel 4 will broadcast a two-hour live programme on 28 May, as well daily highlights packages on 26 and 27 May.
Live daily streaming from each sport will also be broadcast on the Channel 4 website: www.channel4.com/paralympics.
For tickets details visit: www.btparalympicworldcup.com
