BACOLOD CITY– Differently-abled volleyball players from Negros Occidental are set to represent the country in the 10th ASEAN Para Games men’s sitting volleyball that will be hosted by the country this March.
14 out of 15 players of the team hail from Negros Occidental, having seven from Silay City, two each from cities of Cadiz, Bago and Kabankalan, and one from Sagay City.
“With our unity
as a team, I believe we will be able to bring pride and glory for our country.
We continue to train. It’s also an advantage that the country is hosting the
games,” said team captain Eric Molavin in an interview with Philippine News
Agency.
The captain admitted that the players are “newbies” in the competition, since
neighboring Southeast Asian opponents are more experienced and more exposed.
Under sitting volleyball, known widely as a form of paravolley, teams also compete with six players on the court at a time, and a portion of the athlete’s torso must be in contact with the ground at all times.
The ASEAN Para Games, a bi-annual multi-sport event after the SEA Games that caters athletes with disabilities, was originally scheduled for January 18-25.
Due to funding constrains and logical considerations however, it was proposed to be held on March 20 to 28 instead./PN
