First WPV Beach Development Centre approved

On 27 October 2021 the World ParaVolley Board unanimously approved the first official Beach Development Centre that is located in Florida, USA – the Hickory Point Beach Sand Volleyball Complex.

This is an exciting development for the progress of beach paravolley which is planning to be included in the LA 2028 Paralympic Games as it will serve as a Centre for upcoming competitions, events, clinics, camps and training/education opportunities for athletes, coaches and officials.

Dr. Stephen Giugni OAM, Assistant Sport Director (Beach) said:

“History has been created with the World ParaVolley Hickory Point Beach Development Centre being approved by the Board. This is the first beach paravolley development centre and will serve as a focus for training and development and events in the future as we strive to promote beach paravolley as an important discipline of World ParaVolley.”

Chris Seilkop, (Chair of the Beach Commission) who conducted the inspection visit in May 2021 said:

“I am very pleased that the Centre has been approved and I look forward to the many benefits that will flow for the athletes as we work towards ensuring that beach paravolley will be on the sport program for LA2028.”

Steve Bishop, the Executive Director/President of the Florida Region of USA Volleyball said:

“The Hickory Point Beach Sand Volleyball Complex has all of the necessary facilities to host education and training courses, major events and camps for athletes in the future and we are currently adding sidewalks that allow for accessible entrances to the 21 courts and the Athletic Center. We are very proud to be the first Beach ParaVolley Development Center for World ParaVolley in the world, and we look forward to supporting athletes with a physical impairment in the future as they strive to improve their game.”