Sitting Volleyball

Sitting Volleyball appeared as a demonstration sport in the Paralympic Games in the year 1976 which was held in Toronto for the physically challenged ones. The athletes who are amputees, or suffer from spinal cord injuries, cerebral palsy, brain injuries and stroke are eligible for competing in this competition. Sitting Volleyball Sport in Paralympics occupies a key position as the athletes despite of suffering from such impairments deliver outstanding skills of their performances.

Sitting Volleyball is far more difficult and calls for a whole lot of stamina and strength on the part of the player since here the players have to cover the field in order to return the ball. The motive of the game is to send the ball on the other side of the court to the ground of the opponent team. Sitting Volleyball was introduced as a Paralympic sport at the Paralympic Games that took place in Arnhem in 1980, and seven teams participated in it. Sitting volleyball is being regularly organized for every Paralympic games and is meant for the both women and men since 1993.

Sitting Volleyball Sport is going to hold an important place among the various events in 2008 Beijing Summer Paralympics Sports. Firstly this sport consisted of both disciplines that were standing and sitting. But, the latest decision of International Paralympic Committee says that the standing Volleyball did not meet the criteria and hence shall not be the part of Paralympic Games competition program.

The net of the Sitting Volleyball is about 3 feet tall, and the court is in the form of rectangle measuring (10X6 m) with a 2-meter attack line. The field is separated by a center line each part measuring 5 meters in length and 6 meters in width. Players are permitted to block serves, but one "cheek" must be in contact with the floor every time they make contact with the ball.

2008 Beijing Summer Paralympics Sports
Archery	Athletics
Boccia	Cycling
Equestrian	Football 5-a-side
Football 7-a-side	Goalball
Judo	Powerlifting
Rowing	Sailing
Shooting	Sitting Volleyball
Swimming	Table Tennis
Wheelchair Basketball	Wheelchair Fencing
Wheelchair Rugby	Wheelchair Tennis

A team has 12 players at the most, one of which is the leader of the team and another libero. The original positions of the players in the playing area are specified. Every game has a maximum of five sets and the victor team must win a total of three sets.

The 2008 Beijing Summer Paralympics Sports are going to be full of fun and excitement and if you are planning for a tour to Beijing then make sure that you catch at least an event or two.