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Brock Niagara Penguins recieve OVA Community Engagement Award

By Ontario Volleyball, 06/11/20, 4:00PM EDT

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The Brock Niagara Penguins have taken significant actions in developing sitting volleyball in the province of Ontario. Their amazing support and hard work have been noticed across the province and have set an incredible example of inclusion as they continue to grow the sport for all participants.

Since 2018, the Niagara Penguins engaged participants in sitting volleyball competitions and participated as a team in the Ontario Parasport Games in Durham, placing second in the event. Immediately following the games, the Niagara Penguins expressed interest in hosting a sitting volleyball competition in St. Catharines with the date being set for November 2019. However, the initial date did not yield enough interest from teams travelling from outside Niagara and the rest of the region and work still needed to be done.

Through their dedication and persistence, a new date was set for February 2020 and the event was a success. They successfully hosted the largest sitting volleyball event in Ontario’s history with seven sitting volleyball teams, including four from the Niagara Region. This event, the first Penguins Sitting Volleyball Classic, was also notable for being the most inclusive sitting event to date. Participants ranged from 8 to 55 years old, included persons with physical and cognitive disabilities, as well as parents and able-bodied volunteers and athletes preparing for the 2021 Canada Games. Through their efforts, the event garnered media attention from the local Channel 9, leading to additional exposure for the evolving sport and resulting in the Penguins announcement to make this an annual event.

Thank you for the time and effort dedicated to growing sitting volleyball in Ontario. Congratulations on the Community Engagement Award!