Kericho: Players with physical disabilities are gearing up for the inaugural KKK Sitting Volleyball Tournament, which is scheduled for November 28 at the Kiprugut Chumo Stadium in Kericho County. This inclusive tournament, sponsored by Senator and Majority Leader Aaron Cheruiyot, will feature both men’s and women’s teams competing in a county-level showdown.
According to Kenya News Agency, head coach Paul Byegon, who is overseeing the training of 60 players at the Kericho Vocational Rehabilitation Centre (KVRC) grounds, expressed confidence in the teams’ consistency and discipline. Byegon is hopeful that the players will deliver outstanding performances in their debut appearance. He also expressed gratitude to Senator Cheruiyot for providing the opportunity for the teams to participate in the tournament.
Coach Byegon, who is physically challenged himself, remains optimistic about both hosting a memorable event and achieving national recognition for the county. He highlighted the rigorous training schedule, with sessions held twice a week, and noted the participation of players from various sub-counties in Kericho, as well as contributions from players hailing from Nairobi County and Uasin Gishu County. In compliance with Para Volleyball regulations, the squad will be trimmed to 14 players per team ahead of the tournament.
The tournament will feature male and female events, with each team composed of 14 players, including a reserve. A key rule in sitting volleyball is that part of a player’s torso must maintain contact with the ground to allow service blocks and attacks. The matches are played in a best-of-five format, with the first team to reach 25 points winning the set.
As the tournament date approaches, the focus is on the teams’ preparations. Sitting Volleyball, which gained prominence after its inclusion in the Paralympic Games in 1980, is known for its fast pace compared to standing volleyball. The objective is to score points by grounding the ball in the opponent’s court. The game follows the regulations set by the Federation Internationale de Volleyball (FIVB), featuring a smaller court and a lower net height for both men’s and women’s games.
