Bishop Smith Elementary students shine at Sitting Volleyball Game Day with Paralympian Jolan Wong

Bishop Smith Elementary students participated in the schools Sitting Volleyball Game Day yesterday, having been taught by Jolan Wong, a Canadian Sitting Volleyball Paralympian. The day saw grade 7 and grade 8 students competing in teams, showing school spirit and demonstrating good sportsmanship.

Over the past couple of months Wong has been at the school teaching the students, and explaining why the sport is important and pushed inclusivity.

The day kicked off with opening ceremonies at 8:30 a.m. followed by the first few games, other guests who were in attendance was representative’s from both Parasport and the Ontario Volleyball Association. Members of Parasport Ontario was there to support this inclusive event, providing t-shirts for all participants and presenting a banner to the Bishop Smith Elementary students.

Sitting Volleyball, an exciting Paralympic sport, is played on a smaller court with a lower net, offering a dynamic twist on traditional volleyball that showcases incredible agility and skill. Wong shared with myFM that it’s crucial, particularly in smaller communities, to promote inclusive sports like these. They provide valuable opportunities for individuals with disabilities or those who may lack confidence in traditional sports, creating a welcoming space for everyone to participate and thrive.

Wong expressed her excitement about the event, highlighting that this year will mark the first-ever college-level Sitting Volleyball Championship. She shared how incredible it would be to see more schools across the province get involved, helping to expand the sport’s reach and impact.

The day concluded with closing ceremonies at 2:00 p.m. with teams winning medals for “Heart n’ Hustle”, “Fair Play”, and “team Spirit Award. The grade 7 team player that won the Heart n; Hustle medal was Kian Hackworth and the grade 8 winner was Grayson Bowden. The Fair Play medals were handed out to Pepper Katchnelsen and Gage Gallagher from grade 7 and Irish Congo and Ryker Bimm from grade 8. Lastly, the two teams that won the Team Spirit Award was grade 7 team the “Gold Diggers” and from grade 8 “The Pink Fluffy Flamingos”.

(Written by: Emma Butler)