Photo by Iñaki Esnaola
Even after many years on the court, he isn’t quite done yet, hoping to meet his goal at the Special Olympics Unified Volleyball World Cup Katowice 2025.
“Although I’ve been playing volleyball and beach volleyball for decades, I haven’t won gold yet in international games, so I’d really like to continue playing until I can ultimately win gold.”
The tournament kicked off on 5 October with Finland losing to Saudi Arabia, 39 to 50 points however this won’t deter Mika on his quest for glory!
Leading On and Off the Court
Recently, Mika has stepped into a leadership role as an Athlete Leader in Special Olympics Finland. For him, guiding others feels rather different from leading on the court, but equally rewarding.
“Playing on the court, things are happening quite fast. As an Athlete Leader, I have to allow for more time to process while discussing with someone face-to-face,” he explains.
In his hometown of Tampere, Mika is a steady presence in his beach volleyball club, BVT (Beachvolley Tampere). Always on time and well-prepared, Mika makes sure that everyone feels supported. “I always want to offer my help if there is anything that I can help with. Whether it’s at tournaments or events, I just want to make sure everyone knows the schedules and can be prepared. Being helpful and supporting my team is just part of who I am.”
The Power of Positivity
Mika’s teammates describe him as reliable and quick with a joke—someone whose energetic spirit always lifts those around him, and who keeps a positive perspective, whether in victory or defeat.
“There’s no sense in getting upset about a loss. One team wins and the other one loses. We learn from the loss and keep going, and all we can do is try to be better for the next game.” This upbeat energy is echoed for Mika by his Special Olympics community.
“The biggest support in my life comes from the communities I’m a part of. My friends and teammates mean a lot to me, and they keep me motivated and enjoying every moment.”
Photo by Iñaki Esnaola
Skills and Sportsmanship
As a player, Mika is respected by his coaches and teammates for his game intelligence and strong technical skills. He thrives particularly in beach volleyball.
“I prefer beach volleyball because it’s a more challenging game naturally, because of the sand and the weather conditions,” he shares.
Beyond volleyball, when not competing, he stays active in other sports. “I like to be outside and play sports like football, floorball, table tennis, and tennis, all of which keep me energised, allowing me to enjoy my time with friends and teammates.”
Looking Ahead: The World Cup in Poland
Now, Mika’s eyes are on the Unified Volleyball World Cup in Poland. With nearly 30 years of volleyball experience, he is ready to take on the challenge and make the most of every match.
“The opponents will be really tough, and we’ll need to give it our best in order to fight for our victories,” Mika says. “I’m really looking forward to playing against new teams. It’s going to be an exciting time in Poland and a great chance to gain new experiences.”
A Lifelong Love for Volleyball
Even as he continues chasing his dream of winning an international gold medal, Mika is already thinking about the future.
“After winning gold, maybe it’s time for me to give space to the younger players. Perhaps I could share my experience as an assistant coach,” he says. Mika’s dedication to helping others as an Athlete Leader and his passion for volleyball make him a guiding presence in the community, naturally revealing why he is truly the heart of the sport. Mika and Team Finland took to the court on day one of the tournament, losing out to Team Saudi Arabia with a score of 39 points, while Saudi Arabia cinched a win with 50. Still so much to play for as Finland look forward to day two!
You can watch the Opening Ceremony, competitions and Closing and Award Ceremonies from 5 to 8 October live on the Special Olympics Poland YouTube channel: Olimpiady Specjalne Polska – YouTube.
Follow our dedicated webpage for the Special Olympics Unified Volleyball World Cup throughout the tournament for the full schedule and results, news and seven other athlete stories from across our region.
