(Photo: Xinhua)

    ATHENS, Sept. 17 (Xinhuanet) -- Sitting volleyball is a sport that requires dexterity, speed and good physical condition. 

    The sport was officially introduced to the Paralympic Games in 1980 in Arnhem.

    In the Athens 2004 Paralympic Games, women are eligible to compete for the first time, conveying the message that willpower faces no limits and no boundaries.

    The tournament here opens on Tuesday at the Hellenikon Fencing Hall.

    All participating teams in the women's tournament (the Netherlands, the Ukraine, Finland, United States, China and Slovakia) will compete in a sole pool.

    The Men's teams will be divided into two pools. In Pool A are Iran, Japan, Germany and Finland while Pool B consists of hosts Greece and Egypt, United States and Bosnia & Herzegovina.

    All pool play matches are expected to keep spectators on edge, as teams jostle for position for the next round.

    The Iran, Bosnia & Herzegovina, Germany and Egypt men's national teams have proven themselves as outstanding competitors in past competitions. Slovakia and Finland are the favorites in the women's event.

    The host country will be represented in the men's competition by a team formed just a year ago. There is no Greek team in the women 's tournament. Enditem