History

While in England in 1591 a game was already being played which resembled volleyball somewhat, it would be 1895 before the American William G. Morgan developed the predecessor to modern Volleyball. In 1956, the Dutch Sports Committee introduced a new game called Sitting Volleyball, a combination of Sitzball - a game of German origin - and volleyball. International competitions have taken place since 1967 and finally in 1978 the International Sports Organization for the Disabled (ISOD) accepted Sitting Volleyball in its programme.

At the Paralympic Games in Arnhem in 1980, Sitting Volleyball was introduced as a Paralympic sport with the participation of seven teams. Since 1993, Sitting Volleyball championships have been organized for men and women.

Until the Sydney 2000 Paralympic Games, the sport has consisted of two disciplines: Standing and Sitting Volleyball. Today, following a decision by the IPC based on the fact that Standing Volleyball did not meet the criteria set to be a part of the Paralympic programme, only Sitting Volleyball for men and women is included in the Paralympic Games competition programme.