The deal is an effort to strengthen cooperation between the two organisations, and to facilitate promotion and competition opportunities for volleyball.

IWAS President Paul DePace and his World ParaVolley equivalent Barry Couzner signed the agreement at a meeting in Abu Dhabi in the United Arab Emirates. 

"It is a fantastic step to have officially signed the Memorandum of Understanding with World ParaVolley and we look forward to our partnership increasing the reach of both organisations and the sporting opportunities provided to athletes with physical impairments around the world," said DePace.

As part of the agreement, Para-volleyball disciplines could be included at future editions of the IWAS Games.

Sitting volleyball is currently a part of the Paralympic Games.

"We are very pleased to partner with the IWAS in a way that will benefit both of our organisations," said Couzner. 

"Future cooperative activities could well include both sitting volleyball and standing beach volleyball events and this is great for our respective athletes as we both need to provide them with more opportunities to participate at all levels. 

"I am sure our organisations will work proactively to make things happen."