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Para Qualifier Preview Part 2: Women

This month, the Canadian women’s sitting volleyball team will battle it out against fierce rivals for a spot at the Paris 2024 Paralympics.

The team have been tirelessly training in preparation for next year’s event, and will look to improve upon their fourth-place finish at the 2020 games in Tokyo.

But before they can compete against global talent, Head Coach Nicole Ban’s squad have to perform at the Para Qualifier in Edmonton, Alberta. The ParaVolley PanAmerica Zonal Championship takes place at the Saville Community Sports Centre between May 9-13. Volleyball Alberta, Explore Edmonton and the province of Alberta are some of the sponsors working to make the event a success.

As there’s only one ticket to the Paralympics up for grabs, Ban’s team – who’ve been on a high since they won the silver medal at the World Championships in 2022 – will have to be in top form.

The Canadian women’s squad will share the court with USA and Brazil – two powerhouse teams they’ve been preparing to face.

"We have focused on adding additional competitions in our schedule, both against the USA and Brazil. These teams are ranked #1 and #2 in the world...,” Ban said. "By playing the best, we continue to challenge ourselves to improve and become the best as well."

Edmonton’s Katelyn Wright, who joined the squad in 2014, adds that in addition to individual training, team court time and international competition, the team utilizes video sessions to broaden their tactical knowledge. They also work with a Mental Performance Coach to “get into the right mindset for competition.”

However, the third-ranked Canadians aren’t letting the stress leading up to the qualifiers get to them.

Although the event is naturally associated with some level of pressure – especially playing on home soil in front of family, friends and Canadian volleyball fans – Ban sees it as an opportunity to show the world what sitting volleyball is all about.

"I hope that the Zonal event in Edmonton can bring awareness to both sitting volleyball and parasport in [Canada]...I hope that the Paralympic movement can be highlighted and celebrated,” Ban said. “...It doesn’t mean the [journey] is easy, but nothing in life worth having is.”

While the team has worked to build the program and achieve success over the last few years, the road hasn’t always been easy.

According to Wright, challenges arise when her team attempts to balance their athletic careers with day-to-day life.

"Unfortunately, we don’t get paid to play our sport so many of us are either working full-time, in school, raising children, on top of training and managing disability,” Wright explains. “It requires balance and an understanding of your body to know when you can push a bit harder or when you need a break.”

But as the team attempts to overcome hurdles related to their careers, disability or athleticism, they also believe working to grow the sport is an essential part of their Paralympic journey.

Both Ban and Wright agree it’s their job to slash the stigmas associated with the Paralympics. Their goal is to demonstrate that they train just as hard as able-bodied athletes, and their sport is equally as exciting and fast-paced as regular volleyball.

"Being in parasport doesn’t equate to being less than able-bodied sport, and I think that’s often overlooked. The Paralympics were created to be equal to the Olympics, so having our sport in the Paralympics allows us to spread our message on a more global scale,” Wright said.

Although qualifying for Paris will be a challenge, Ban believes her team is “unique, powerful and strong” – qualities that bode well when working to attend the Paralympics. She adds that being so close to the podium in Tokyo has made her team “hungrier” to make an impact this time around.

For Wright, the idea of representing her country and inspiring the next generation are things that make the sacrifice, perseverance and hard work worth it.

"I don’t think I can put into words what the [Paralympics] would mean to us. I hope Canadians would be proud to know they have a team of highly skilled and dedicated women representing them,” Wright said. “I encourage all volleyball fans to check our matches out…spread the word about our amazing sport and help us to continue to grow sitting volleyball in Canada."

 

Story by Julia Ranney; Photo by Jody Bailey