BELS hosts Paravolley Training

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The Discipline of Biokinetics, Exercise and Leisure Sciences (BELS) at UKZN, eThekwini Paravolleyball, the KwaZulu-Natal Department of Sports and Recreation and Paravolley SA came together to host the first Level 1 sitting volleyball coaching course in the province. The three-day course was attended by teachers, coaches, volleyball players, healthcare professionals and sport scientists.

Course tutors, Mr Nathan Pretorius and Mr Anton Raimondo were very pleased with the results. ‘I loved the passion of the coaches,’ said Pretorius. Both promised to continue to help develop the sport. 

UKZN alumnus Ms Zamile Nduli and UKZN student and national beach volleyball player, Mr Sanele Zwane achieved the top results of 94.55%.

All coaches who received a diploma have the opportunity to progress to World ParaVolley International certification.

Chemical Engineering graduate, Ms Riley Somiah, a certified World ParaVolleyBall Level 1 Coach (Mozambique 2018), also finished top of the class. Somiah also assisted at the coaching course. ‘I feel this batch of certified coaches will definitely go back to their communities and have a positive impact on the growth of sitting volleyball within KwaZulu-Natal,’ said Somiah.

BELS Academic Leader, Dr Rowena Naidoo congratulated all who attended the workshop. She noted that sitting volleyball is growing steadily in KwaZulu-Natal, as it is a sport which can be played by both disabled and non-disabled athletes.

She added that the University will host the sitting volleyball national championship in 2020. ‘The event will be hosted in collaboration with UKZN Sport (Westville campus). The UKZN volleyball team is planning to enter a team, and will be going for gold!’

Words: Nombuso Dlamini

Photographs: Supplied