The inaugural ParaVolley Europe (PVE) Convention, “Activation through Coaching,” concluded in Sarajevo, bringing together the ParaVolley community for a landmark weekend of education, collaboration, and strategic development.
Hosted in Bosnia and Herzegovina’s capital, the convention welcomed 60 participants from 25 countries, including nine new and prospective member nations, reflecting the growing global reach and momentum of sitting volleyball. Organised by ParaVolley Europe with the support of World ParaVolley, the event marked a significant step forward in strengthening cooperation across regions and reinforcing the sport’s development pathway.
Collaboration Across Europe and Beyond
The convention underscored the importance of alignment between continental and global bodies, with World ParaVolley working closely alongside ParaVolley Europe to support sustainable growth, knowledge sharing, and new member integration.
World ParaVolley President Juergen Schrapp highlighted the broader significance of the event:
“This convention means a lot for World ParaVolley. First, it shows how important collaboration is – ParaVolley Europe and our global organisation working together as one team. Second, we have new members here and existing countries represented by their coaches. For me, coaches are the lifeblood of our organisation. They develop athletes, they build teams, and bringing them together to interact, exchange experiences, and learn from one another is a major step forward for our sports.”
Coaching: The Engine of Development
A central theme throughout the convention was the critical role of coaches in building sustainable national programmes and athlete pathways. Through expert-led sessions, practical workshops, and live demonstrations, participants explored:
- Coaching methodology and athlete development
- Building national structures and club systems
- Competition pathways and high-performance environments
- Classification, inclusion, and grassroots growth
- Marketing, communications, and funding opportunities
- International cooperation and networking
Interactive roundtables and Q&A sessions encouraged delegates to identify practical actions they can implement within their own countries, ensuring the convention’s impact extends far beyond Sarajevo.
Learning Through Practice and Shared Experience
On-court workshops and a demonstration match featuring the Bosnia and Herzegovina national team provided participants with real-time insights into elite performance, bridging theory and practice. These sessions reinforced the value of experiential learning and highlighted the technical and tactical depth of the sport.
Beyond formal sessions, networking opportunities, including welcome and closing gatherings, fostered new partnerships, strengthened existing relationships, and built a shared vision for the future of ParaVolley.
A Foundation for Future Growth
The Sarajevo convention represents more than a successful event; it establishes a strong foundation for continued collaboration, education, and expansion across Europe and globally. With new nations joining the movement and established members deepening their expertise, the ParaVolley community continues to grow stronger, more connected, and better equipped to deliver inclusive sporting opportunities worldwide.
As the first edition closes, the momentum it generated signals a promising future, one driven by cooperation, empowered coaches, and a shared commitment to developing sitting volleyball at every level.