Canadian women’s sitting volleyball team advocates for increased para-athletic programs in Edmonton
Katelyn Wright and Kate Rozendaal following Canada’s bronze medal win in sitting volleyball at the Paralympic Games. (Photo courtesy of Kate Rozendaal)
The Canadian women’s sitting volleyball team hopes their recent success at the 2024 Paris Paralympics will shine a spotlight on the lack of para-athletic programs in Edmonton.
The team brought home bronze medals after a victory against Brazil in early September, sparking pride and reflection among players and coaches.
According to Kate Rozendaal, the Canadian Paralympic assistant coach, the team was filled with pride and relief when the match ended. She said she would love to see more awareness, support and recruitment for para-athletics in Edmonton following their win.
Rozendaal emphasized the significance of the Paralympics, saying that the “Para” in Paralympics stands for “parallel” to the Olympic Games. “It’s not less than; it’s not some other games. It’s the
Paralympics,” she said.
For Edmonton, the victory holds special meaning, Rozendaal said. Several coaches and players on the team, including Edmontonian Katelyn Wright, train in the city. Much of the team’s preparation for Paris took place in Edmonton.
Wright, a member of the sitting volleyball team, spoke about the challenges faced by para-athletes in a world that is not always inclusive.
“Anybody can sit down and try an adaptive sport, but not every adaptive athlete can try an able-bodied sport at the same capacity,” she said. “I think there is just such a need for grassroots-level programs, and I’m really hoping that Edmontonians will see the value in that.”
Before joining the national team, Wright trained at The Steadward Centre, one of the few facilities in Edmonton offering para-athletic development. She believes more programs like it are necessary, particularly those offering recreational leagues for para-athletes.
Maggie Slessor, a para-athlete at The Steadward Centre, said the program recognizes and values para-athletes, noting that participants are “treated as real athletes.”
Despite the efforts of centres like Steadward, Rozendaal and Wright continue to advocate for increased para-athletic programs and awareness in Edmonton.
The Canadian Paralympic Committee provides further information on advocacy and community involvement.
