Photo by Christel Saneh
Serbia’s teams began their World Cup journey with a setback: major travel delays caused both squads to miss their opening matches. Despite the rocky start, two players—Marija Kostić from the women’s team and Saša Mutapović from the men’s—went on to shine at the tournament. Here, they share a glimpse into their lives as athletes, both before and after the action-packed tournament.
Marija’s Rise: A Fresh Start With Friends
To seventeen-year-old Marija Kostić, volleyball is more than a sport: it’s where she found a sense of belonging. Growing up just outside Belgrade, she inherited a love for the game from her mother, a celebrated local volleyball player. But Marija’s true journey began five years ago, when she transferred to a special school.
Photo by Christel Saneh
“Where I came from, the community I belonged to wasn’t always welcoming,” Marija explains. “If you were different in any way, it was much harder to be accepted. But that was never the case in my club or with Special Olympics Serbia. From the very first moment I arrived, I was welcomed by everyone. That’s why I say my teammates feel like family.”
“This wasn’t just a place to play, but I finally had friends who saw me for who I really am. They thought of me as strong, driven, and that I had a lot of potential.
Outside of training, Marija spends time with her teammates at the park, savors ice cream in town, and shares stories about new adventures and daily life.
“We also have a team song that gets us pumped up together before the game!”
Photo by Iñaki Esnaola
From Small Town to Global Stage
Marija’s volleyball journey hasn’t always been easy.
The thoughtful young athlete shared more about her experiences, revealing both her determination and deep understanding of the game.
Photo by Christel Saneh
“At our National Games this September, we played the gold medal match. We had an amazing first set and a great lead—it felt like the win was already in our hands. But at the start of the second set, things began to fall apart quickly. I really learned not to celebrate too soon. You have to stay focused until the absolute end. My advice to other young athletes: there’s always time to celebrate later, but during the game, concentration and teamwork come first.”
The Game Changer
Photo by Christel Saneh
After her team’s loss, Marija received life-changing news: she had been selected to represent Serbia’s women’s team at the World Cup in Poland.
“I got the news and I couldn’t stop crying,” she says. “I ran to my mom and said, ‘I’m going to Poland!’ My grandparents cried, and my little brother was jumping around the room shouting, ‘Marija’s going to Poland!’”
This trip also marked several firsts for Marija. “This will actually be my first time going abroad, so I’m thrilled,” she said before leaving for the tournament. “Outside of volleyball, I’d love to meet players from other countries and maybe see a little bit of the city. But honestly, the biggest fun will start even before the tournament, at the airport in Belgrade. It’s also my very first time flying on an airplane, and I’m really looking forward to the experience!”
Competing internationally for the first time, Marija helped Serbia’s women’s team battle their way to a 7th place finish—still a proud milestone for the young athlete and her teammates. “Before, I felt alone,” she says. “Now I have people who understand me.”
After four days of intense play and several tough losses, Marija’s ambitions remain clear. “I don’t want to say that this is my maximum,” she says thoughtfully, “but this tournament is definitely a dream come true. One of my biggest wishes is to compete at the World Games one day. I know it will take a lot of hard work and dedication, but that’s a goal I would love to reach.”
Photo by Iñaki Esnaola
Saša’s Second Act: A Veteran Athlete Returns to the Court
While Marija’s journey is just beginning, Saša Mutapović’s story is one of experience and resilience. The 29-year-old from Premeća has been part of Special Olympics Serbia since 2010, earning seven international medals and establishing himself as a cornerstone of the national volleyball team.
Photo by Iñaki Esnaola
When the World Summer Games in Berlin came around in 2023, Saša sensed that chapter of his athletic journey was nearing its end. He viewed himself as a seasoned veteran.
“I thought Berlin would be my last, I honestly did,” he recalls. “I remember I cried after our last game. One of the coaches from our delegation that came to watch us play gave me a hug after the game, and asked if I was crying tears of joy. I said no, I am actually very sad—I just played my last game for our national team.” The medals, the memories, and the friendships simply felt like the perfect end.
A Surprise Call
After Serbia’s strong showing at the European Championship in Slovakia earned them a place at the World Cup, Saša got an unexpected call. His coach was sure of one thing: Saša still belonged on the court.
Photo by Iñaki Esnaola
“He may call himself a veteran,” the coach shared, “but I see a leader who still plays with the heart of a rookie and the wisdom of a champion.”
“I still can’t believe this is happening,” Saša shared prior to the World Cup. “Just when I thought my playing days were behind me, I have another chance, maybe the biggest one yet. This time, to be at the very top.”
Leading on the World Stage
His calm leadership has long set him apart. In past tournaments, Saša has taken younger teammates under his wing. “When I know the stakes are high, I depend on my teammates and my coach and they, on me,” he says. “We built that trust a long time ago, and it works.”
“More than just a personal triumph, this journey is also for my teammates. many of whom have become close friends, brothers in sport. They’ve pushed me, believed in me, and stood beside me for years.”
Photo by Iñaki Esnaola
Saša says much of his journey wouldn’t have been possible without his teammate and friend, Nemanja Cendić (No. 6). “We’ve been playing together for a long time, and while we don’t always agree on everything, he’s always been there for me. The support, encouragement, and acceptance I get from Nemanja makes a huge difference, both on and off the court. I really consider him to be family.”
One more moment added an extra layer of pressure and excitement to Saša’s World Cup journey: the news that Serbia’s volleyball legend, Vanja Grbić, would be in the stands. “To know Vanja will be there… it’s overwhelming,” Saša shared before the start. “But it also makes me want to give everything I have.”
From Athlete to Mentor
Saša’s confidence in both himself and his team fueled a memorable performance for Serbia’s men’s squad in Poland. The team finished in fifth place, with Slovakia taking home the gold. Competing among some of the world’s strongest teams, Saša gave it everything he had. And while the result wasn’t quite what he’d hoped for, it was a competition he’ll never forget.
Photo by Iñaki Esnaola
Looking ahead, he hopes to give back to the Special Olympics community. Even while balancing a part-time job, Saša shared:
“One dream I haven’t achieved yet is to get a really good job, and if possible, stay connected to our Special Olympics club. I would love to give back, whether as a volunteer or an assistant in sports, because I have a lot of knowledge and experience that I hope to pass on to others.”
Photo by Iñaki Esnaola
More Than Medals: Another Kind-Of Victory
As the Unified Volleyball World Cup concluded yesterday, the journeys of Marija and Saša remind us why the Special Olympics matters. From first serves to final points, small towns to international arenas, their stories highlight the transformative power of sport.
These athletes share an unbreakable spirit—and, more importantly, a desire to win that transcends societal barriers and personal challenges.
Photo by Christel Saneh
The Awards and Closing Ceremony followed at 4pm CET, 8 October.
You can re-watch the Opening Ceremony Finals and Closing and Award Ceremonies on the Special Olympics Poland YouTube channel: Olimpiady Specjalne Polska – YouTube.
Follow our dedicated webpage for the Special Olympics Unified Volleyball World Cup results, news and seven other athlete stories from across our region.
