From the Court to Community: Angie Chaparro and Volleyball as a Force for Good

In November 2025, on a volleyball court in Colombia, something more than a game is taking place. Through VoleiPaz, a community initiative supported by Let’s Keep The Ball Flying (LKTBF), young people come together in spaces shaped by instability to play, talk and rebuild trust. Volleyball becomes a structure - one that offers safety, routine and a sense of belonging.

For Angie Chaparro, witnessing this first-hand changed how she understood the role of sport.

Discovering Impact on the Ground

VoleiPaz uses volleyball as a tool for peace and youth development in communities affected by violence in Colombia. Over a structured two-month programme, participants take part in regular training sessions that integrate life skills such as emotional awareness, teamwork, confidence and conflict resolution.

When Angie joined her first VoleiPaz session, she supported training activities and communications, working alongside local coaches and young players. What stayed with her was not the drills or results, but the atmosphere on court.

The space felt ordered and calm. Players listened to one another. Moments of play were matched by moments of reflection. For communities where instability is part of daily life, the court offered something rare: consistency.

“Sometimes,” Angie observed, “just creating a safe space to play and be heard already makes a difference.”

That moment made it clear what she had felt quietly for years.

A Relationship with Volleyball, Reignited

Volleyball had been part of Angie’s life long before the VoleiPaz programme. She first played at high school, simply as a way to stay active. What drew her in was not competition, but the rhythm of the game: shared responsibility, clear roles and the sense that no one succeeds alone.

As university demands increased, volleyball took a quieter place in her life, but she continued to play. It remained a fond memory until last summer, when Angie watched the Italy vs Japan men’s match at the Paris 2024 Olympic Games.

Something clicked.

The discipline, intensity and collective focus on court reignited her connection to the sport. She found herself paying attention not just to performance, but to how teams functioned under pressure - the physical presence of Italy’s men’s team, the tactical intelligence of Brazil’s women.

Volleyball, she realised, had always been about more than play.

Finding LKTBF

Through this renewed interest, Angie discovered LKTBF’s 1% Movement, supported by professional athletes such as Ishikawa and Gabi. The idea that elite players were using their platforms to support underserved volleyball communities resonated immediately.

As she explored LKTBF’s work, the alignment felt natural. The foundation’s mission - to unite the world through the power of volleyball - mirrored her own desire to contribute meaningfully through sport.

A conversation with Lesley de Jonge, LKTBF’s Executive Director, confirmed it. Volleyball was not just something Angie enjoyed; it was a vehicle for connection and impact.

Stepping into Responsibility

Today, Angie is a core member of LKTBF’s marketing team, leading newsletter development and supporting social media engagement. Stepping into communications challenged her, but her sporting mindset shaped her approach: growth comes from leaning into the unfamiliar.

Through her work, Angie engages daily with stories from LKTBF communities worldwide - from young athletes training without basic equipment to coaches building opportunity with what they have.

These stories give weight to her work. They remind her why visibility matters and why telling stories responsibly can help strengthen communities far beyond the court.

For Angie, volleyball is no longer just a sport. It is a way to serve, to connect and to help create spaces where young people feel seen, supported and safe.

Inspired by Angie’s journey? Learn more about volunteering with LKTBF and how your skills can support volleyball communities worldwide.