MS Teams Prepare for the National Adaptive Volleyball Championship
The Adaptive Volleyball Championship
The Superliga Melhor Idade das Américas Adaptive Volleyball Championship is a remarkable sporting event, specifically designed for senior athletes. This event not only allows teams to showcase their talents but also helps improve participants’ health and quality of life. This year’s championship will take place from January 22 to 26 in Palmas, Tocantins, attracting numerous teams from various states.
Journey to Palmas
Representatives from Campo Grande, Ponta Porã, and Rochedo have embarked on a 20-hour journey to Palmas to compete in the national finals. The group of 56 athletes began their trip on Monday evening, travelling 30 hours by bus. For these athletes, the journey is not merely about sports but also an opportunity to bond and share unforgettable moments. The three teams representing the state of Mato Grosso do Sul are Rochedo, Conssol, and Centro de Convivência do Idoso Vovó Ziza. Each team carries hopes and aspirations for victory, contributing to an atmosphere of excitement before the tournament.
Expectations Before the Championship
Before departure, players and coaches shared their expectations and experiences in interviews. Edivaldo Barbosa Lacerda, 55, coach of the Centro de Convivência do Vovó Ziza team, highlighted the significance of adaptive volleyball in athletes’ lives. “At Vovó Ziza, we have four teams—two men’s and two women’s—in the 60+ and 70+ categories. Adaptive volleyball greatly improves their quality of life,” he said.
The Positive Impact of Adaptive Volleyball
According to Edivaldo, participating in adaptive volleyball enhances physical health and brings joy and motivation to daily life. “It’s truly inspiring to see their happiness while competing in events like this,” he noted. This demonstrates that volleyball is more than a sport; it is a means of fostering positivity and well-being.
Márcia Teodora de Oliveira: Hope and Motivation
Márcia Teodora de Oliveira, 58, a player and team coordinator, shared her aspirations for the competition: “I’ll be with Team Conssol, which competes in seven categories ranging from ages 45 to 75. Our goal is to bring the trophy back to Mato Grosso do Sul.” She emphasized the importance of this event for senior athletes, many of whom have faced significant personal challenges.
Márcia added, “Adaptive volleyball changes lives. In addition to improving health, it brings new energy and motivation.” This highlights the power of sports to help individuals overcome difficulties and find renewed joy in life.
The Inspiring Story of Rosa Lúcia
Rosa Lúcia, 53, shared her inspiring journey during a press conference. “Sports brought me back to life. After battling cancer, participating in adaptive volleyball helped me rediscover my inner strength,” she emotionally recounted. As a former state champion and South American runner-up, Rosa expressed her determination: “Our mission now is to represent Mato Grosso do Sul in Palmas.”
The Determination and Efforts of Athletes
Rosa’s story is just one of many inspiring tales. Athletes like Lourdes Marlene Gunter, 70, also shared their passion and determination. A member of Vovó Ziza, Lourdes, said, “We’ve trained hard and are aiming for victory. Everyone is committed to bringing the trophy to Campo Grande.”
For her, travelling and competing holds great significance, proving that age is no barrier to pursuing one’s dreams. Support from the state government has been pivotal in organizing sporting events for seniors. Marcelo Ferreira Miranda, Minister of Tourism, Sports, and Culture, emphasized, “Through Fundesporte, we have facilitated the transportation of teams. Sports for seniors are crucial to enhancing quality of life and ensuring healthy longevity for our athletes.”
Adaptive Volleyball: Redefining Sports
Adaptive volleyball is a modified version of traditional volleyball for players over 40. Introduced in the late 20th century, it incorporates specific rules, such as underhand serving and six-player teams, similar to professional volleyball. These rules ensure that everyone, regardless of age or physical ability, can participate and enjoy the game.
Additional adjustments include restrictions on jumping for front-row players and allowing a player to touch the ball with both hands without time limits. These modifications protect athletes’ health while creating a fair and enjoyable playing environment.
Team Spirit: Connecting Athletes
The bonds formed among adaptive volleyball players extend beyond sports. They develop friendships and mutual support throughout their training and competitions. Team spirit is elevated, helping them overcome life’s challenges. This not only increases the sport’s appeal but also builds a strong, supportive community.
Looking Ahead to the Championship
The upcoming tournament in Palmas offers teams not only a chance to showcase their skills but also an opportunity to interact, learn, and share experiences. Athletes are eager not just to win but to create memorable moments in their lives. Healthy competition and the pride of representing their communities provide immense motivation.
A Meaningful Journey
For teams traveling from Mato Grosso do Sul to Palmas, this is more than just a competition. It is a meaningful journey, part of a larger movement to promote health and quality of life for seniors. With unwavering determination and effort, the athletes are poised to deliver impressive performances and create unforgettable memories.
These teams compete not only to claim victory but also to prove that age is no obstacle in pursuing passion and leading a meaningful life. They serve as shining examples, demonstrating that dedication and determination can help overcome any challenge in life.
