Day five of Invictus Games Düsseldorf 2023 sees Team Australia’s 11-person sitting volleyball team take to Merkur Spiel-Arena’s centre court.
Among the Aussie players will be captain Francine Dudfield, who despite playing for less than a year, has found a great sense of joy in the sport.
“I love sitting volleyball, I can’t keep the smile off my face,” Francine said.
“It’s just fun; you’re shuffling around on your bum and everyone gets really into it.
“Everyone gets really competitive and gives high fives when you do a really good shot.
“As adults, you don’t have a lot of fun, so it’s really nice to play team sports and just laugh and share those memories.”
Played by two teams of six, the aim of the game is for players to send the ball over the net and land it in the other team’s court, and to prevent the opponent from doing similar.
A team can use a maximum of three passes and one pass per player for returning the ball to the other team’s court. The team winning a rally scores a point. If the receiving team wins the rally, it also gains the right to serve, and its players rotate one position clockwise.
The sport is one of the Games’ most popular and inclusive recreational sports, is mixed-gender and can be played by athletes with and without physical disabilities.
“Seeing everyone so happy and non-judgmental is what I am enjoying most about the Games,” she said.
“People making connections with people from all different countries and different age groups; breaking through different cultural barriers.
“You can step back and see people forming these connections and they’re so genuine and warm.
“You just feel so proud to be not only part of it, but part of team humanity.”
Australia’s sitting volleyball team is Mark Armstrong, Craig Ball, Francine Dudfield, Xavier Green, Alex Jay, Ryan Kelly, Flight Sergeant Nathan King, Kurt Ludke, Bradley Mazzaferri, Adam Slot and Colleen Swifte.
Thursday 14 September will also include the second day of table tennis action for the Aussie team.
Rounds will include a number of standing and seated categories across eight tables and 52 competitors.
The day of play will come to an end with medal ceremonies at 7pm and 9.30pm Central European Time.
Australia’s first Invictus table tennis team is Karney Armstrong, Steve Richards, Stephen Lockwood and Verity Sanchez.
Meet the Australian Team at www.defence.gov.au/invictusgames or follow on Facebook
