Photo by Christel Saneh
Despite their loss, Michael lifts the team with his dedication and presence wherever he can.
“I’ve been training really hard for the Unified Volleyball World Cup in Poland,” Michael says. “I’ve improved my diet, added strength workouts. I want to be at my best for the team, not just myself.”
Leading by Example
Although Isabella Andrä is the official captain, Michael is a strong and constant support to her—and everyone on the team. On the court, he enjoys spreading encouragement to his teammates and guiding them where he can.
Photo by Christel Saneh
Michael has played volleyball for more than ten years and represents Pinguine—BOP Volleys Wien, a club in Vienna where he has built skill and a reputation as a motivating presence.
“He always trains regularly and is someone who takes the lead, pushes others forward, and can hold the whole team together, inspiring them,” shared his teammates.
Pride and Purpose
Representing Special Olympics Austria at this week’s Unified World Cup is a highlight of Michael’s sporting journey.
“Playing for Austria means everything,” he says. “Winning is great, but the best part is playing together as a team.”
Off the court, Michael balances his athletic career with a full-time job as a truck driver for a clearance company in Vienna—a demanding role that speaks to his work ethic and resilience. When he’s not training or travelling for competitions, he finds freedom in the mountains, skiing—another passion that once took him to the World Winter Games in Schladming, Austria in 2017.
Photo by Iñaki Esnaola
Team Spirit Through a Partner’s Eyes—Valerie Quade’s Unified Journey
Photo by Christel Saneh
Among those inspired by Michael’s leadership is Valerie Quade, a Unified partner on Team Austria who brings both energy and empathy to the court. At 33, she has been playing Unified volleyball for three and a half years—a journey that began when her co-worker, the team’s coach, invited her to join.
“I played volleyball as a young woman and wanted to get into it again,” she says. “I wasn’t perfect, but the opportunity to start again was exciting.”
As a Unified partner, she values the challenge of learning from her teammates. “There are athletes on my team who are way better players than me,” she says. “I’ve learned so much—patience, caring, and understanding everyone’s different needs have come from this. That’s a really nice challenge.”
As Austria takes on their international opponents in Katowice, they are guided by Michael’s leadership and strengthened by Valerie’s partnership – unified as a team in victory or defeat!
Photo by Iñaki Esnaola
You can watch the 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.
