This year, Durham College (DC) students will have the opportunity to play an exciting and accessible sport.

In addition to hosting the 2025 Canadian College Athletic Association (CCAA) Women’s Volleyball Championship next March, DC is partnering with ParaSport Ontario for the inaugural college/university sitting volleyball tournament. As the host, DC will enter a team in the competition, and tryouts begin this fall. All students are welcome to give it a try, and the team will practice weekly in preparation for the competition next March.

Originating in the Netherlands 70 years ago, the sport is a modified version of volleyball primarily for athletes with a disability. During play, athletes sit on the floor and attempt to strike the ball over a lowered volleyball net.

“With the national championship coming to the Durham Region next year, it is important that we use our platform to create inclusive opportunities in sport that can be enjoyed by all,” said Scott Dennis, Athletic Director. “We could not think of a better partner than ParaSport Ontario to achieve our goals with.”

The initiative was announced at the ParaSport Ontario Awards Brunch earlier this summer.

The DC team is already off to a strong start with the addition of Recreation Therapy student Ashley Green as its first member. The 19-year-old is a veteran of the sport with six years of experience, and is excited to share it with her fellow students.

“I’m honored to be the first Durham College student on the team,” she said. “It’s amazing to see the growth of the sport in the last six years, and I’m looking forward to getting to play competitively.”