The first-ever ParaVolley Europe (PVE) Convention, themed “Activation Through Coaching,” took place in Sarajevo from February 20-22, 2026. This significant event for sitting volleyball gathered 60 attendees from 25 nations, notably including representatives from 9 new or potential member countries.
Organized by ParaVolley Europe with backing from World ParaVolley, the convention underscored a collective dedication to education, collaboration, and fostering sustainable growth throughout Europe and the wider ParaVolley community.
Strengthening Global and European Collaboration
The convention emphasized the crucial synergy between continental and global organizations. World ParaVolley partnered closely with ParaVolley Europe to aid new members, bolster national frameworks, and broaden opportunities for athletes globally.
Juergen Schrapp, President of World ParaVolley, highlighted the convention’s importance. He stated that the event was highly significant for World ParaVolley, demonstrating the vital collaborative spirit between ParaVolley Europe and the global organization. Schrapp stressed the presence of both new members and coaches from established nations, calling coaches “the lifeblood” of the organization. He concluded that bringing them together for interaction, experience exchange, and mutual learning represented a significant advancement for the sport.
Comprehensive Coaching Education Program
The convention featured an extensive education program, integrating theoretical knowledge, practical application, and strategic discussions. Key expert sessions included:
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Robin de Haan (Netherlands) – Growing the Game: Building the Foundations for ParaVolley to Thrive
Led a session focusing on coaching methods, inclusivity, and athlete development pathways. This included a practical segment on grassroots training and advice for emerging teams.
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Anton Raimondo (South Africa) – Understanding the Global Picture
Offered insights into ParaVolley’s global evolution and avenues for international cooperation.
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Matt Rogers (Great Britain) – Coach Education Opportunities
Explored WPV coach education routes and provided guidance for hosting courses to enhance national coaching capabilities.
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Ifet Mahmutović (Bosnia & Herzegovina) – Building a Team: Technical & Tactical Development and Learning from Those Who Lead
Provided practical and strategic insights into team development, enhanced by a demonstration from Bosnia and Herzegovina’s national team players and drawing lessons from the country’s consistent international achievements.
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Massimo Beretta (Italy) – From Sitting to Sport: How Coaches Are the Drivers
Examined the core differences between traditional volleyball and sitting volleyball, along with strategies for establishing sustainable club structures. A practical session on coaching progressions and small-sided games followed.
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Nello Calleja (Malta) – Defining the Impact: Utilising EU Funds to Develop Our Sport
Explained how EU funding could bolster national federations, fortify programs, and establish sustainable development trajectories across the region.
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Onur Hosnut (Türkiye) – Growing the Game: Building the Foundations for ParaVolley to Thrive
Delved into strategic development methodologies, stressing inclusion, structured expansion, and long-term planning to cultivate thriving ParaVolley programs at both national and grassroots levels.
Practical Learning and Shared Expertise
Participants gained practical insights through workshops and a live demonstration match involving the Bosnia and Herzegovina national team, bridging theoretical knowledge with elite performance. Observing the match alongside seasoned coaches fostered real-time analysis and enhanced technical comprehension.
Roundtables for Tangible Impact
The convention’s concluding day featured interactive roundtables focused on critical development areas, such as:
- Competition pathways and opportunities
- Communications and marketing
- EU funding and partnerships
- Coaching and club development
- Classification and global programme support
- Grassroots to high-performance pathways
- International networking
A combined Q&A session and action-planning workshop empowered delegates to pinpoint practical steps for immediate implementation in their respective nations.
Laying the Groundwork for Future Expansion
Beyond merely being a successful event, the Sarajevo convention laid a robust foundation for ongoing collaboration, education, and expansion throughout Europe and internationally. As new nations join and existing members deepen their knowledge, the ParaVolley community strengthens, becomes more interconnected, and is better positioned to offer inclusive sporting opportunities globally.
The inaugural PVE Convention concluded not as a final destination but as the genesis of a sustained movement, propelled by empowered coaches, shared expertise, and a collective commitment to advancing sitting volleyball at all levels.