Team Ontario is excited to introduce the inaugural Team Ontario Sitting Program starting in 2025. This overnight training camp, hosted at Durham College in Oshawa, Ontario, from June 19 to June 22, marks a milestone for para-athletics in the province, offering a dedicated platform for high-performance training in sitting volleyball.
The camp is designed to foster a seamless transition from local community involvement to the national team level, accommodating both para-athletes and able-bodied participants to form a comprehensive training group. The initiative aims to prepare athletes for future opportunities at both national and international stages, contributing to the development of Ontario’s sitting volleyball pathway.
A variety of camp highlights ensure a holistic approach to athlete development. These include intensive on-court skill development sessions focused on both technical and tactical aspects of sitting volleyball, strength and conditioning programs tailored to the demands of high-performance sports, and nutrition workshops providing specific guidance on fueling for training and competition. Athletes will also engage in competitive match play to apply their new skills in a game environment, and a coach mentorship program will be available to help Ontario-based coaches enhance their expertise in sitting volleyball.
The camp is open to 24 athletes—12 girls and 12 boys—with a registration cost of $300 plus HST. Each group will be supported by three dedicated coaches. To be eligible, athletes must be born in 2010 or earlier and possess a physical disability or impairment, although no specific classification is required. The camp is inclusive of participants from various sports backgrounds, welcoming those new to sitting volleyball, with no prior experience necessary.
Athletes interested in joining the camp must apply by May 4, 2025. The selection process will prioritize those with classified disabilities and experience in sitting volleyball or other para sports, though motivation and a commitment to high-performance competition are also key criteria. Selections will be finalized by May 11, 2025, with chosen participants receiving an official invitation to join the camp. Applications are free, and there are no additional costs for attending the camp.
For more information or to apply, prospective participants are encouraged to visit the online application form at this link.
If there are questions about eligibility or other inquiries, interested parties can contact Oklend Llakaj at ollakaj@ontariovolleyball.org.