The National women sitting volleyball team is determined to impress at the 2016 Paralympics Games scheduled for September 7-18 at Riocentro Pavilion 6 in Rio de Janeiro. The team is making a historic debut as the first African women sitting volleyball team to contest in any Paralympic Games. The team is in a buoyant mood and determined to snatch a good result despite being in the toughest group of the competition. The team arrived in Rio de Janeiro, Brazil on Friday last week and are currently training ahead of their first game against China, on September 10. Dutch head Coach Peter Karreman joined the team on Sunday from the Netherlands and will take charge of the team through the fourth edition of the women’s event. Having competed in various completions in Europe (Slovakia and Netherlands) and China as part of their preparations, the team head is optimistic that the vital experience got will guide the team to a strong finish despite facing a daunting test. Rwanda face off world number one and defending champions China on September 10 before facing Iran on September 12 and then USA two days later. The top two teams from each group will advance to the semi-finals. Hosts and world No.4 side Brazil are in Pool A, together with Ukraine, who are ranked number 3 in the latest world rankings. Para volley American Games bronze medalists Canada and Russia complete the pool. editorial@newtimes.co.rw
