On December 3, the International Day for Persons with Disabilities (IDPD) calls on organizations around the world to strengthen inclusion, break down barriers, and expand opportunities for participation. For the Ontario Volleyball Association (OVA), this day is a meaningful reminder of our responsibility to ensure that every athlete—regardless of ability—has equitable access to the sport we love.

Sitting Volleyball stands at the heart of this mission. As one of the most inclusive versions of volleyball, it provides adaptive pathways for athletes with disabilities to train, compete, develop confidence, and build community. It embodies what inclusion looks like in action: shared courts, empowered athletes, and a sport environment designed to welcome all.

Strengthening Inclusive Pathways: 2026 Sitting Volleyball Season

To continue building a more accessible volleyball ecosystem, the OVA has updated and expanded its Sitting Volleyball competitive calendar for 2026:

• February 8, 2026 – Variety Village Classic
• March 5, 2026 – University & College Sitting Championships
• April 18, 2026 – Ontario Sitting Championships at Enercare Centre

All program updates, participation details, and registration information are available at:
www.ontariovolleyball.org/sitting-volleyball

Each of these events plays a critical role in creating more entry points—especially for athletes with disabilities—who deserve the same visibility, recognition, and competitive experience as any athlete in our province.

Team Ontario Sitting Volleyball: Investing in Athlete Development

The OVA is proud to confirm that all logistics have been finalized for the Team Ontario Sitting Volleyball Camp, taking place:

• March 6–8, 2026
• Durham College - Scheduled directly after the University & College Championships for seamless athlete progression.

This camp represents a targeted investment in inclusive high-performance pathways, ensuring that athletes with disabilities have structured opportunities to develop and compete at elite levels. 

Registration information can be found here: https://teamontariovolleyball.org/sitting 

Inclusion as a Core Value

Inclusion is more than a statement—it is a practice. The OVA continues to prioritize:

• Creating safe, adaptive, and welcoming spaces for athletes with disabilities
• Expanding Sitting Volleyball programming in communities across Ontario
• Promoting representation in coaching, officiating, and leadership roles
• Ensuring accessibility considerations are embedded in program design

• Fostering environments where all athletes are valued equally

IDPD reminds us that inclusive sport benefits everyone. Volleyball becomes stronger, richer, and more connected when every athlete has a place to play.

Join the Movement

We invite athletes, families, educators, partners, and community leaders to learn more about Sitting Volleyball and help us create a sport system where ability is never a barrier to belonging.

Discover how you can get involved:
www.ontariovolleyball.org/sitting-volleyball

Together, let’s build a volleyball community that champions accessibility, celebrates diversity, and empowers athletes of all abilities to rise.