Years ago, so many laughed out loud at the CNVLD when the CNVLD announced its objective to become the No 1 (disabled) Volleyball Team in the World.

Well, they don’t laugh at us anymore; they now cheer with the CNVLD Cambodian National Volleyball Team which is now No 2 in the world after defeating Australia, India, Canada, Poland, Slovakia, Sri Lanka, Laos, Greece amongst others.

Now the Cambodian National Volleyball Team is only one step away from becoming World No 1 and the team are respected as the nation' s true sporting heroes.

CNVLD Secretary General Christopher Minko guarantees the following for the new CNVD sports program of Women’s Wheelchair Basketball:  “Within 3 years, a Cambodian National Women’s Wheelchair team will win medals on a regional level and from there they will move into the international wheelchair basketball championship circuit as proud representatives of the new Cambodia”.

 From the humble beginnings of a meeting held this week with Ms Sohkunthea (known as “Tata”) and Ms Sieng Sochan from Battambang province (both pictured below), the sport of wheelchair basketball in Cambodia will now swing into Stage 1 development of a National Wheelchair Basketball program for

Cambodian Women with a Disability. Sochan has been briefed by Tata about the upcoming program, and the support from DRS and theCANADA Fund.  Athletes registration forms have been prepared by Tata and Sochan will now commence the selection of potential athletes with the assistance of the Battambang ICRC Center and the Ministry of Social Affairs, Veterans and Youth Rehabilitation (MOSVY) along with designing new uniforms that will use artwork to symbolize that; “Cambodian Women are on the Move”.

In December, 2011, Tata will travel to Battambang for a 3 days final selection of 16 female athletes in preparation for the first training program which will commence in February, 2012 followed by specialized training under the guidance of a professional wheelchair basketball coach from Australia via DRS.

 All aspects of the CNVLD Womens Wheelchair Basketball program are managed by Cambodian Women with a Disability for, and in the interest of, Cambodian Women with a Disability in line with the localization policies of the CNVLD.

 As Minko says “Watch out – these are Tough and very Determined Women"

The CNVLD Cambodian Women’s Wheelchair Basketball program gratefully acknowledges the support of and assistance of Disability Sports and Recreation (Victoria, Australia), The CANADA Fund, International Red Cross and the Cambodian Ministry of Social Affairs, Veterans and Youth Rehabilitation.