The journey to Colombia was the latest chapter in the growing partnership between World ParaVolley (WPV) and Let’s Keep The Ball Flying (LKTBF) — a collaboration built around a simple but powerful vision: using volleyball to break down barriers, empower communities and make the sport accessible to everyone.

Since the partnership began in 2025, WPV and LKTBF have been working together to bring ParaVolleyball into new communities, particularly in regions where opportunities to experience and develop the sport are still emerging. The partnership combines LKTBF’s grassroots reach and commitment to using volleyball for social impact with WPV’s technical expertise, coaching knowledge and experience in developing sitting volleyball around the world.

But the ambition goes beyond delivering a few sessions or introducing people to a new version of the game. The long-term objective is to leave something behind — equipping local coaches, teachers, volunteers and community leaders with the knowledge and confidence to continue developing sitting volleyball after the international team has gone. At the same time, the projects create educational resources that can be shared globally, helping coaches and communities in other countries learn from the experiences on the ground.

Colombia provided another opportunity to put that approach into action. The team worked alongside local communities, shared coaching expertise, introduced more people to sitting volleyball and captured practical demonstrations and experiences that can now contribute to the wider education and development of the sport.

And that’s where these videos come in.  Rather than simply telling you what happened, we wanted to give you a chance to see the journey through the eyes of the people who were there. Across this series of vlogs, members of the team reflect on the sessions, the people they met, the challenges they encountered, the moments that stood out — and the difference that the project can make.

From the volleyball court to the conversations away from it, these videos provide an insight into what the WPV and LKTBF partnership is really about: connecting people through volleyball, creating opportunities, sharing knowledge and building a sustainable future for sitting volleyball in communities around the world.

Colombia was another step on that journey. And, as with Tanzania before it, the impact will continue long after the team has returned home through the digital content that was captured along the way.

Enjoy looking back at the Colombia trip — and discover the people, stories and moments behind the project.

——-

1 – Cali School

Day 1 in Cali, Colombia with the Volei Paz athletes and the local gym class students. Learning about the community, invisible borders, the power of sport and uniting the world through Volleyball.

2 – Cali Community Court

Day 2 in Cali, Colombia took us to the outdoor court where we got a closer look at Poblado II, the community where the athletes we are working with live. In an area where opportunities and safety is often few and far between, volleyball truly is changing lives.

3 – Coaching the LKTBF Crew

Introducing the Let’s Keep the Ball Flying crew to sitting volleyball and we couldn’t have enjoyed it more. Sitting volleyball truly challenged, humbled and most importantly brought smiles to all of our faces (and maybe soreness to our butts too).

Reflections on sitting volleyball sessions led by Team USA Women’s athlete Nicky Nieves (assisted by Anton and Nicole) with Voleipaz athletes in Cali. Each group was unique but one thing in common was the love for learning to play sitting volleyball!

4 – Pereira

A great afternoon in Pereira with the VP girls group that included lots of volleyball led by John Kessel, tik Tok dances, Slunks shorts, a coffee tasting and many new connections made.

5 – Cordoba Region

The group visited a couple schools in the local region and at this particular one, we played lots of sitting volleyball. The group loved it so much that we played a match with the large ball and a full cheering section!! The joy on the kids faces left an impact for a lifetime.

6 – San Bernardo Beach

After years of LKTBF trying to get on a beach to showcase their net making skills, it finally happened and so much fun was had!! We sat down and played some sitting too; the black sand beach left sand all over us so an ocean dip was a must at the end of the day.

——-

The trip will have left its mark on all who encouraged the travelling team, but the legacy impact will undoubtedly be the essential coaching tools and tips captured through educational videos and imagery connected with the inspirational stories that highlight the personal journeys and achievements of those who drive the sport forward.

Overall an amazing initiative, training leaders and equipping local communities with the knowledge and skills to sustain and grow the volleyball [including Sitting] movement.

This collaboration between World ParaVolley and Let’s Keep The Ball Flying underscores a shared commitment to fostering inclusivity and empowering individuals through adaptive sports.  Rishon together to use Volleyball, in all its forms, for positive social impact.

Find more about their trip on our social media.

Photos and thumbnails by Milene van Arendonk and those who travelled.