Tuesday, 16 Jul 2024

U.S. Sitting Teams Land in China

The World ParaVolley Intercontinental Cup is just about to begin, but the U.S. Men’s Sitting Team has wasted no time in making history during their trip to China. During a scrimmage at Tuesday’s practice, the U.S. Men’s Sitting Team won a set against the No. 2-ranked Iran for the first time, boosting their confidence right from the start.

Head Coach Greg Walker attributes the team’s success to their aggressive serving and improved blocking techniques. The team is focused on playing to their strengths and forcing their opponents to adapt to their style of play.

Did you know?
The Intercontinental Cup features 28 teams from 18 countries, including 13 of the 14 teams that have qualified for the Rio de Janeiro Paralympics. The qualified teams will play in a round-robin format, while the non-qualified teams will vie for the final men’s and women’s spots.

Here are some additional facts about the tournament:

  • 99 matches will be played over the course of seven days.
  • Due to local restrictions, the matches will not be live-streamed or broadcasted. However, you can check USA Volleyball’s website or worldparavolley.org for results and information.
  • The U.S. Women’s Sitting Team has the opportunity to improve its seed ranking for the Paralympics by winning gold at the Intercontinental Cup. They are currently ranked No. 2 in the seeding standings, just behind China.
  • The U.S. Women’s Sitting Team will face Rwanda, China, Iran, Ukraine, Canada, and Brazil, while the U.S. Men’s Sitting Team will compete against China, Germany, Iran, Egypt, and Brazil.
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What’s in the bag?
Long trips to foreign countries provide athletes with the chance to experience new cultures and scenery. However, it’s always nice to have a few creature comforts from home. Members of the U.S. Women’s Sitting Team have shared some of their essential items for a great trip:

  • Kaleo Kanahele: Energy beans and coffee
  • Heather Erickson: Minnie Mouse pillow
  • Nicky Nieves: Makeup bag
  • Lora Webster: Lotion
  • Tia Edwards: Extension cord
  • Monique Burkland: Zombie blanket

Chris Seilkop’s Journey:
When Chris Seilkop’s flight from Houston to San Francisco was delayed, he didn’t anticipate the series of events that would follow. With a connecting flight to Hong Kong, Seilkop had to find an alternative route to the Intercontinental Cup after multiple delays. Despite the obstacles, Seilkop’s determination led him to Hong Kong via Tokyo, Japan, and eventually to Hangzhou, just 90 minutes from the host city, Anji.

Kari Miller, a defensive specialist for the U.S. Women’s Sitting Team, also experienced flight cancellations but eventually arrived late Tuesday night.

FAQs

Q: How many teams are participating in the World ParaVolley Intercontinental Cup?
A: The tournament features 28 teams from 18 countries.

Q: Will the matches be live-streamed or broadcasted?
A: Due to local restrictions, the matches will not be live-streamed or broadcasted. However, you can check USA Volleyball’s website or worldparavolley.org for results and information.

Q: What opportunity does the U.S. Women’s Sitting Team have to improve their Paralympics seed ranking?
A: By winning gold at the Intercontinental Cup, the U.S. Women’s Sitting Team can improve their seed ranking for the Paralympics. They are currently ranked No. 2, just behind China.

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Summary

The U.S. Men’s and Women’s Sitting Teams have arrived in China for the World ParaVolley Intercontinental Cup. The Men’s Team made history by winning a set against Iran for the first time. The tournament features 28 teams from 18 countries, with the qualified teams playing in a round-robin format. Due to local restrictions, the matches will not be live-streamed or broadcasted. The U.S. Women’s Sitting Team can improve their seed ranking for the Paralympics by winning gold at the Intercontinental Cup. Each team will face a challenging lineup of opponents. Despite flight delays and cancellations, the players remain determined to compete.