Lionel Arlin, Sports Federations and Events Manager at Gerflor, has highlighted the company’s long-standing partnership with World Paravolley (WPV), particularly in providing the Taraflex surface for sitting volleyball events.
“We started to cooperate with sitting volleyball about more than 10 years ago. The first Paralympics we did was London 2012. After, we did Rio 2016 and Tokyo 2020. Everything has been perfect. We have been delivering such outstanding Taraflex surfaces that paravolley players just love to play on,” Arlin stated.
Gerflor’s commitment to sitting volleyball and Para sports, in general, is evident in their continued support and development of specialised sports flooring. Arlin expressed pride in this ongoing collaboration.
“Gerflor is so proud to accompany this great change and evolution of Para sports globally. We are a big player and worldwide producer of playing surfaces for so many events and associations. Of course, it’s a great source of pride to have started to be here more than 10 years now. We are here like a family. It’s only natural for us to want to continue.”
According to Arlin, one of the reasons why Gerflor’s surfaces are so appreciated by athletes is their ability to enhance performance.
“I can tell you exactly why the players love playing on Gerflor, it’s because they can express themselves in the best way. They can pivot and slide and move, they can be at their strongest for the event. They can show and express the best of their craft.”
He further explained Gerflor’s philosophy, which centers around providing a platform for athletes to perform at their best.
“Gerflor’s philosophy is to help players play at their best, to progress and to create a great show of emotions and moments in the sport. When the players don’t feel comfortable on the surface or with the equipment, they cannot push themselves past their limits.”
As the partnership between Gerflor and WPV continues, Arlin acknowledged the role of the current WPV leadership in advancing the sport. He emphasised the importance of ongoing discussions to further develop and promote sitting volleyball, especially with the Paris 2024 Paralympic Games.
“The president of World Paravolley has been a strong figure in the sports industry and events, and she is perfect for this new leadership, to push and to bring the sport to new heights. We are so glad because we can start new discussions to strengthen and to grow sitting volleyball together. This is the right moment in Paris. We are so excited about this new challenge.”
Photo: WPV/Sinisa Kanizaj.
