ST. CATHARINES, Ont. - Durham College's sitting volleyball team made a strong impression in more ways than one at the 2025 Ontario Parasport Games, placing fourth overall in a tournament that emphasized community, connection, and inclusivity.
First delivered in 1975, the 44th edition of the Ontario Parasport Games took place in the Niagara Region last weekend, featuring more than 700 participants across 11 sports. More than 200 volunteers helped to organize and run the games.
The team's appearance in Niagara marked a milestone in a journey that began in August 2024, when Durham College announced its commitment to building inclusive sport opportunities in partnership with ParaSport Ontario and the Ontario Volleyball Association. The announcement included the formation of the college's first-ever sitting volleyball team and a Sitting Volleyball Invitational hosted during the 2025 CCAA Women's Volleyball National Championship. At the initial kickoff brunch, nursing student Ashley Green was proudly introduced as the first official member of the new team.
Since then, the program has grown steadily, built on a foundation of accessibility, passion, and collaboration. That development was on full display at the Ontario Parasport Games, where the Durham Lords not only proved competitive on the court, but also fully embraced the spirit of the event.
"It was a wonderful experience," said Elodie Hraynyk. "Participating as a para-athlete in the sitting volleyball tournament for the Durham Lords was an honour and a privilege. It was a great opportunity to make new friends and learn more about other adaptive sports. I am very proud of my teammates and I look forward to building on this in the future.
The Games opened with a thoughtfully organized ceremony, featuring speakers and performers from within the parasport community, setting a tone of unity and inspiration. Durham's team was cheered on not just by spectators, but by fellow athletes from other sports, creating a powerful atmosphere of mutual support.
On the court, the Lords had a breakout performance, most notably defeating a team featuring national-level players to secure a spot in the top four. In the bronze medal match, Joel Goitom earned MVP honours for the Durham squad.
Beyond the scoreboard, the experience was deeply meaningful for athletes. The all-athlete social following the competition gave players a chance to meet, share stories, and celebrate together, highlighting what the Games are truly about.
With a strong debut season, a committed group of athletes, and a growing campus and community interest, Durham's sitting volleyball program is just getting started. The team's presence in Niagara is another step forward in the college's broader mission to ensuring everyone has a place to play, compete, and belong.
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