Disabled volleyball player, Justin Phillips

Justin Phillips, a 19-year-old from Maidenhead, Berkshire seeks to represent Great Britain at the London Olympics 2012 in volleyball, and win a Gold medal. Justin is a double amputee, plays ‘hitter’ for Surrey Sitting Volleyball, and is a member of the Senior Great Britain Squad. Sitting Volleyball is another version of Volleyball that has been adapted to allow anyone to participate, including those with a disability, and has been part of the Paralympic Games since 1980. London 2012 is set to be the first Paralympic Games that Great Britain will put forward both men’s and women’s Sitting Volleyball squads.

In Sitting Volleyball, the international rules for Standing Volleyball apply in principle, with amendments allowing for a sport for disabled players: during play, a player must touch the court with some part of their body between the buttocks and the shoulders, and you are able to block the serve. Sitting Volleyball is played on a smaller court (meaning quicker points and faster, more exciting play) with a lower net to account for the players’ seated positions.

Justin was awarded a £750 JWCT grant via Sports Aid in August 2010 to help him achieve his ambition. Sports Aid is a JWCT partner organisation helping the next generation of young able-bodied and disabled British sportsmen and women to succeed.

No reports available.