Sitting volleyball adds new dimension to sport in KZN

SITTING volleyball is coming to Kwazulu-natal for the first time.

The Paralympic code played by athletes with a disability is an inspiring, fast-paced game and adds another dimension to the province’s association with volleyball.

The project will be driven by University of Kwazulu-natal lecturer Dr Rowena Naidoo and Riley Somiah, a young player, coach and administrator.

Somiah is now an accredited Level 1 national/regional coach, who acquired the qualification at a course hosted by World Para Volley in Mozambique last week.

“As someone who has only been exposed to standing volleyball, it is exciting to get involved in this project. It is about spreading the love of the sport,” Somiah said.

“If you have a disability you do not have to let that dictate how you live your life.

“This is a chance, to be part of a team sport and keep fit.”

The sport is played in Limpopo and Cape Town.

Naidoo and Somiah will start to recruit players in Durban in the new year.

“We are ready to create some structure for the sport under ethekwini Volleyball,” Somiah said.

“We will be talking to other disabled athletes in the province as well as schools to spread the word.”

Somiah is a chemical engineer by profession, but his passion for volleyball has motivated him to extend his influence to the sport.

Played on a smaller court with lower nets, Somiah explains that it is vastly different from the indoor standing version of the game.

“It is much faster and requires quick reflexes. From a tactical perspective, coaches can have a big say,” Somiah said.

After a week of theory-based classes coupled with high intensity practicals, Somiah aced his exam to gain his coaching diploma.

“We are looking for people who are willing and able to learn.

“Getting women involved is also high up on our agenda.

“We have a men’s national team who compete in Africa but to date we do not have a women’s side.

“This could be the gateway to playing at the Paralympic Games,” Somiah said.