It is called sitting volley, but behind the by now customary Anglicism lies what is in fact Paralympic volleyball. Designed for people who have motor disabilities, but not necessarily limited only to them. Six players per team, all strictly seated, but never stopped. The aim is the same as in volleyball, to drop the ball over the net, which is obviously much lower. This discipline has recently entered the gates of PalaPajetta, guest of the Biellese Volleyball School, as always in the front row when it comes to sport and aggregation.
Strongly desired by the club and its sponsor Monteleone Trasporti, a sitting volleyball project has started this week which includes training sessions open to all, every Tuesday evening from 7 to 9 pm, with qualified coaches. It was the health situation that delayed him. The sporting director of Spb, Federico Barazzotto, introduces the course: «This week’s departure was a bit complicated. We had some confirmation, but someone who had signed up was blocked by a fever. We have to see what follows, however we start and that’s what counts ». There is no joking about health, also because the obligation remains to have the Green pass strengthened to participate in the project, based on the desire to play and test oneself. To train the aspiring sitting-volleyball players will be Simone Nicolo, who works in the social sector and defines himself as a great volleyball enthusiast, sitting or standing changes little. “Simone studied and learned the fundamentals of the discipline: our plan is to start playing, then later in time – if the conditions are right – we will try to put on a team to enroll it in the category championships”, continues Barazzotto. Although it is a Paralympic discipline, anyone can practice it. The doors of the PalaPajetta are open. «We welcome anyone interested – adds the director of Biella -, especially since the Italian championship is understandably mixed: you can field athletes with or without motor disabilities, also because it would be difficult to find so many among the first. However, we asked the various associations to look for some athletes to be involved in the project ». In short, there is one more opportunity in Biella. A new branch of territorial volleyball which, between youth sectors, tournaments, summer academies and high-level teams, already has a lot to offer. Barazzotto concludes: «We thank the sponsor Monteleone who was keen to organize something inclusive. This project is unique ».