The global spotlight turns to Vandœuvre-lès-Nancy, France as six powerhouse teams gear up to compete from June 11-16 for the World ParaVolley Women’s Super 6, a prestigious event that serves as a prelude to the Paralympic Games in Paris, which will be held later this year.
“The city of Vandœuvre-lès-Nancy will be an exciting place to welcome the top women’s sitting volleyball teams in the world to meet in a preview of the much-anticipated Paris Paralympics,” WPV President Lori Okimura said.
“World ParaVolley’s preparation for the sitting volleyball competition at the Paralympics has included providing opportunities to work together with technical officials from across our organisation at international events, and Vandœuvre-lès-Nancy is a wonderful place to visit in the finals months before the Paris Paralympics, and a tremendous opportunity for fans to see these amazing teams compete.”
Representing the pinnacle of women’s sitting volleyball are Canada, Brazil, USA, China, Italy and hosts France, each team bringing in its own unique strength and achievement on the sitting volleyball court, making the competition more exciting.
Canada, ranked as the world’s number one team, enter the tournament with a formidable track record, having clinched three silver medals across World ParaVolley and ParaVolley Pan America’s marquee events, including the World Championship, Pan American Zone Championship and the World Cup.
Brazil, ranked second in the world, are buoyed by their historic victory at the World Championship in Sarajevo, Bosnia and Herzegovina in 2022, which makes them a force to be reckoned with in the discipline.
World No. 3 United States, two-time defending Paralympic champions, will undoubtedly bring their A-game as they aim to maintain their dominance on the international stage and also tighten their stranglehold on the Paralympic gold.
China, boasting an impressive history in sitting volleyball, arrive as three-time Paralympic gold medallists and Tokyo 2020’s silver medallists. Their victory at the World Cup in Cairo last year adds to their formidable reputation in this competition.
Reigning European champions Italy are emerging as a rising powerhouse in the sport, poised to challenge the established order with their skill and determination.
Hosts France, which will also make their debut at the Paralympic Games later this year, will be looking to make a statement on home soil, backed by the passionate support of their fans.
The Women’s Super 6 promises to deliver edge-of-your-seat action and top-level entertainment from these six fierce competitors. The excitement will reach fever pitch as every match promises to be a spectacle of sitting volleyball at its finest.
“We’re excited to collaborate with the host organisation to offer an exceptional competition, gearing up our top teams for the Paralympic Games. The chance to stage this event in France, just months before Paris 2024, adds to the anticipation. Elevating the standard of sitting volleyball is crucial for our teams’ preparation, ensuring they showcase their best performances when the world’s eyes turn to them this summer,” WPV Assistant Sport Director Chrissy Benz said.
