After two stressful sets, Venezuela has the service. Colombia is in the lead 24-17 only one point away from accomplishing their goal. The ball comes flying across and instantly Tomas Moreno’s hand block it, it lands in an open space which resulted in them winning the Championship.

TCS 11th grader Tomás Moreno is the first student to participate in the Parapan American youth games. He started this journey when the middle school volleyball coach, Nestor Alzate, asked him if he was interested in playing sitting volleyball with the Antioquia team.

Sitting volleyball is a different modality of volleyball that is played by people who have a disability. It was created because of the number of military veteran with amputated limbs. Some of the rules are different, players are supposed to sit down and only move using their hand, they need to remain seated all the time.

Training with the local team started in October, after one month he went to Bogotá, where he participated in the selection process for Colombia from November 19 to 25, that’s where he was selected to be a part of the National Selection.

Later on, he was informed that he was selected to represent Colombia in the youth Parapan American games in Sao Paulo, Brazil on March 20, 2017.

There was a noticeable difference between training for such important tournament and training for the fun of it. It was noticed not only by the team members, but by their families too.

“The process of training that we needed to do was  3 times a week for 2 hours for almost 4 months. This was challenging not only for me, juggling school but also for my family that had to take me every time,” said Tomás Moreno.

The team had many influential members and each of them had a unique contribution to the team. There’s one reason why Moreno was selected to be part of the line up. When asked about why head Coach Miguel Ortiz said: “ I [chose] him because he has a natural ability to be a leader and lead the team to success, for his extensive experience in this sport and also for his extensive technical skills.”

After months of training the time came and the team conformed by four members and their coach headed to Brazil to pursue their ultimate goal. The games began on March 20.

When asked about Colombia’s participation on the games, and how he felt about them winning the tournament in a past interview, head coach Miguel Ortiz explained: “Wonderful, we have made an excellent presentation. I don’t have words to explain how the games have been. We have won with certainty and that gives us the possibility that with two anticipated games could be in the finals.”

Team member Marlon Ospina expressed that his experience with the team and in the games was a once in a lifetime, and winning was one of the best experiences “Very rewarding, we feel very happy since we,were in the land of a big in seated volleyball and it is very rewarding. It has been a very good experience, I was  very happy,  we carried out a great tournament, WE WON!”

Sitting volleyball was the only undefeated team  and went to the final against Venezuela on March 24, a match which they won 3-0, and celebrated their victory. The Parapan American games were the first participation of Colombia in the form of sitting volleyball, and were the first joint sport in Colombia to win a gold medal.

“I felt really proud of being able to be a part of such wonderful team, to participate in the Parapan American games and hopefully to inspire others. Everything you set your mind if you have the right means you can do it. Also, I was able to represent my country that’s always a great honor,” Moreno said.

When asked about how he saw the team and tournament develop head coach mentioned: “Historical, to go to Brazil and win in volleyball there was something we did not imagine. The team responded in an incredible way as part of the processes carried by the federation. The selection that we brought has been unbelievable.”

Winning this gave them new opportunities to explore, by being champions they earn a spot in the seated volleyball world cup in Holland.

“This [World Cup] brings new challenges for us and we are very excited. I’m truly honored to be part of such amazing team,” said Moreno.