Lincoln’s own Andrew Skinner (39) will be making his mark on English sports this month. Picked alongside a vibrant team, Skinner will compete in the 2010 Sitting Volleyball World Championships in the US.
The Championships will see 640 athletes from 20 nations going head to head in this fast paced Paralympic sport. Great Britain Men’s team will face off against India, Netherlands, Morocco, Russia and Germany.
Skinner, whose disability is an above-knee amputation, said his biggest achievement to date was his selection for Team GB. He is hopeful to reach for the London 2012 Olympics, and continue playing after.
The tournament is set to start on July 11 and continue through to the 18th. The matches are said to be the best preview into the London 2012 Paralympic Games.
“The squad and staff have worked hard to reach this stage and recognize what an opportunity this championship will [be] as we prepare for London 2012,” said Head Coach Ian Legard.
Sitting Volleyball is a similar game to standing volleyball with the same rules and regulations. The only changes are certain amendments that allow players with disabilities to compete, such as sitting down on the ground, lowering of the net, and decrease in court size.
“GB sitting volleyball has gone from strength to strength since the launch of our first ever development programmes just months ago. We will be rooting for our teams in the biggest major international competition before London 2012,” said Lisa Wainwrite, CEO of Volleyball England.
