World ParaVolley has marked 40 years since sitting volleyball became part of the Paralympic Games programme ©World ParaVolley

World ParaVolley has marked 40 years since sitting volleyball became part of the Paralympic Games programme by recognising a series of players, coaches, referees and administrators for their contribution to the sport.

Men's sitting volleyball made its Paralympic debut in Arnhem in 1980, while the women's discipline was added at the 2004 Games in Athens.

World ParaVolley also celebrated its 39th anniversary this week and its Board has decided International World ParaVolley Day will be held annually on April 24.

The worldwide body was officially formed on that date back in 1981, a year after sitting volleyball featured at the Paralympics for the first time.

Players are among those recognised for their contribution by World ParaVolley ©World ParaVolley
Players are among those recognised for their contribution by World ParaVolley ©World ParaVolley

World ParaVolley was created at a meeting in Bonn in Germany during the European Sitting Volleyball Championships.

The organisation has recognised those who have made significant contributions to the sport across seven categories - posthumous awards, playing, coaching, refereeing, classification, technical officials and governance.

The International Paralympic Committee (IPC) has been given the international partner award.

"World ParaVolley recognises the importance of the productive working relationship with the IPC in the inclusion of sitting volleyball in the Paralympic movement," World ParaVolley said in a statement.

A full list of those recognised can be found by clicking here.