Sitting volleyball is a sport that's growing across Canada both amongst able-bodied and disabled athletes alike. As a result, one of the most interesting features of this discipline is that it is open to a wide range of participants without discrimination (skills levels, age, and gender). Therefore, it holds a strong potential for social inclusiveness, especially if addressing young people.

Although Canada's sitting volleyball program did not start until 2007, this sport was introduced internationally in 1950 as a rehabilitative sport for World War II veterans. 

Today, sitting volleyball enjoys Paralympic Game status (1980 for men; 2004 for women), and its popularity continues to increase as it offers a unique and enjoyable twist on the traditional sport of volleyball.

In addition to the Paralympic Games, Canada competes in the Invictus Games, which use the power of sport to inspire recovery, support rehabilitation and generate a wider understanding and respect for wounded, injured, and sick Servicemen and women..

Sitting volleyball in Ontario is currently community-grassroots based and done in partnership with Parasport Ontario. Competitions are hosted by the OVA, community partners like the Brock Niagara Penguins, Variety Village, Durham College, UfT Scarborough and bi-annually with the ParaSport Games, Ontario.

Team Ontario is thrilled to announce the launch of our very first Team Ontario Sitting Program, set to begin in 2025. This overnight training camp offers para-athletes from across the province a chance to train in a high-performance sitting volleyball environment. The program is built to create a seamless transition between local community programs and the national team level. While this camp is specifically designed for para-athletes, we are also inviting able-bodied athletes to join, to complete a training group. The coaching staff will focus on developing key aspects of the game, ensuring comprehensive growth in both on-court skills, strength and conditioning, nutrition, etc.

For more information CLICK HERE or email:

Currently, Ontario has 5 athletes on Team Canada:

Women's Team

• Anne Fergusson – Carleton Place, ON
• Jolan Wong – Petawawa, ON

Men's Team

• Darek Symonowicz -  Toronto, ON
• Bryce Foster -Thunder Bay, ON
• Nasif Chowdhury - Toronto, ON

If you want to play on the National Team or in the Paralympic Games, there are classifications for competition, as well as, international rules. For more information about the Team Canada, Sitting Volleyball program visit Volleyball Canada's information page.

While the core and goals of the game are similar to its indoor and beach cousins, sitting volleyball differs in the following ways:

• smaller court size (6m X 5m, attack line 2m off centre line)
• lower net height (1.15m for men; 1.05m for women)
• smaller net (7m long X 80 cm wide)
• blocking the serve allowed by front-court athletes
• contact with opponents under net is allowed (as long as it doesn't interfere with opponent's movement or play)
• some part of the body from the shoulders to the buttocks must be in contact with the ground when playing the ball

Sound interesting?

Learn more about the sport with our Sitting Volleyball Information Guide including:

• Background of Sitting Volleyball
• Characteristics of the Game
• General Rules of Sitting Volleyball
• What to Wear
• Equipment Needed for Sitting Volleyball
• The guide also features a skill overview and fun activities to get participants familiar with the sport

The referees for sitting volleyball for an important part of its community. While there is currently no certification for referees in Canada for sitting volleyball, World Para-Volley has created a casebook to guide you using the full international rules. 

At the OVA we modify the international rules to promote inclusivity, increase the number of contacts and maximize the enjoyment of the participants, especially at the grassroots level. These modifications include:

• 3 chances on services
• Serving closer to the net
• Smaller court size for 3v3 or 4v4 games (5mx4m per side with no attack line)
• Shorter sets (0-15 and best of 3)

Check out the OVA Referee's Town Hall on Sitting Volleyball which will give you a comprehensive description of officiating sitting volleyball in Ontario.

LATEST SITTING VOLLEYBALL NEWS & EVENTS

Team Ontario is launching its first Sitting Volleyball Program in 2025, featuring an overnight training camp for para-athletes across the province. The camp provides a high-performance environment, bridging local programs and the national team. Able-bodied athletes are also invited to join, completing the training group. The program emphasizes skill development, strength and conditioning, nutrition, and overall growth.

Visit the Team Ontario Sitting Volleyball page for more info

2025 Variety Village (Toronto) - Fridays 7pm – 9pm

• Mar 21, 28
• Apr 4, 11, 25
• May 2, 9, 16, 23

2025 Durham College – Facilities Gym 3 – Tuesdays 6pm – 8pm

• Mar 11, 18, 25
• April 1

2025 University of Toronto,  Wednesdays 5:30pm – 7:30pm 

Lead by National Team Athlete - Darek Symonowicz

• Jan 8, 15, 22, 29
• Feb 5, 12, 18 , 26

Contact: Joe Millage   - 905 922-46767     emtjoe@rogers.com

February 2nd, 2025 - Tournament Adult Coed Inclusive

All skill levels welcome

Variety Village (Toronto) - 11:00am - 3:00pm

February 24th - Tournament (School Teams)

Pembroke and Petawawa

Bishop Smith Elementary School - 365 Carmody St, Pembroke, K8A 4G2

February 27th - Tournament Adult Coed Inclusive

All skill levels welcome

Variety Village (Toronto) - 10:30am - 3:00pm

March 6th, 2025 - Tournament

Canadian College Championships - Hosted by Durham College

All Day schedule to be confirmed

May 31st, 2025 - Ontario ParaSport Games (Niagara Falls)

Accommodation and meals included in registration

Contact Joe Millage for all registration

 Phone: 905 922-46767   Email:  emtjoe@rogers.com

Sitting Volleyball in Ontario is developed in proud partnership with