Photo by Christel Saneh
Volleyball on the beach back home in South Africa might have seemed effortless as a child – a few rallies in the sand, tripping over my feet, and then a laugh between serves. Yet watching the world’s best at the Unified Volleyball World Cup revealed just how intense and demanding the sport truly is. Played inside the legendary Spodek Arena, athletes felt every serve reverberate through the packed stands.
This was my second time covering athletes’ stories for the Special Olympics — earlier this year, I reported from the Winter Games in Turin. The two events couldn’t have been more different: snow-capped mountains versus an iconic arena, buzzing with energy. Yet both shared the same essence — athleticism, sportsmanship, and cheering so loud it sometimes had us covering our ears.
Photo by Iñaki Esnaola
Hosted by Special Olympics Poland, Special Olympics International and the Polish Volleyball Federation, with The International Volleyball Federation (FIVB) as a key partner, the Unified Volleyball World Cup took place in Katowice from 5–8 October, bringing together 16 teams from around the world to compete in 40 intensive matches. Each team included six volleyball players, six Unified partners (players without an intellectual disability), three coaches, and one volleyball ambassador — a structure designed to embody the spirit of inclusion.
The Opening Ceremony kicked off with the audience hushed as we were treated to a moving dance by renowned American-Polish dancer Ida Victoria, choreographed together with Special Olympics athletes and Unified partners. The dance served as a gentle reminder of the strength of a society where equality is truly valued.
Photo by Christel Saneh
“Organising an event like this, you tend to prepare for the hiccups — and we did. We’re really pleased with the support from the fans and the energy amongst the athletes and teams; it’s been beautiful. We’ve learned a lot and now we can apply that to other events of this scope,” shared Mirek Krogulec, Vice-President, Sports, Special Olympics Europe Eurasia.
This was the inaugural Special Olympics Unified Volleyball World Cup, and Katowice’s history of volleyball and the electric atmosphere made it the perfect stage for this milestone moment.
Poland’s Bronze Triumph
Poland’s duel against Iraq for third place was packed with tension and joy in equal measure. Krystian Fąfara, one of Poland’s standout players, credited the home crowd for their unwavering support.
“I feel so good here — the atmosphere, the people, the energy when you walk in, it’s incredibly positive,” Krystian said moments after Poland’s bronze win against Iraq.“Playing at home, you can say this is for us — we have a point of advantage.”
Photo by Iñaki Esnaola
The host nation’s spirit extended beyond the court, with Krystian and Polish Volleyball champion Tomasz Fornal helping bring national attention to the event through a dynamic promotional campaign. Check out the full video which provides background on this powerful campaign here.
Speaking about the campaign, which highlighted the wider goal of Special Olympics, Krzysztof Krukowski, Senior Director of Organizational Development at Special Olympics Europe Eurasia, reflected:
“We are happy with what we could achieve. The ad campaign was a hit, and I think it really showed what Unified Volleyball was about — but we need to amplify moments like this even more for the future.”
Photo by Christel Saneh
Golden Glory for the UAE & Slovakia
Gold for two, and a triumph for all. The United Arab Emirates built their victory on trust in teammates, coordination, and perfect timing, their chemistry unshakable. Slovakia, meanwhile, quickly turned their success into a celebration, throwing their teammates into the air and donning crowns. Together, both teams captured what Special Olympics Unified Sports® stands for with inclusion and shared victory taking centre stage.
Photo by Iñaki Esnaola
Faces Behind the Game
Across the four thrilling days, every serve carried a story. At the start of the World Cup Slovakia’s Šimon Jakuš, the team’s triple threat – professional dancer, actor and athlete – revealed how volleyball held a special place in his heart. Playing actively since age 14, he became a key player as his country took home the crown.
Before the game Šimon shared, “I want to show that I can be an athlete and achieve success for all of Slovakia.” Goal achieved Šimon!
Photo by Christel Saneh
Beaming after her team’s 2-1 win over Serbia, Italy’s Sonia Ciboldi revealed how volleyball had taught her focus and patience, and how she loved seeing how small improvements from the team only made them stronger, on and off the court.
“I love volleyball because it’s an interdependent sport and while the sport itself is important to me, I love being able to hang out with my teammates after, to spend time with friends. Have a pizza, you know?”
Photo by Christel Saneh
And while the losses were tough, even after four intense days, Serbia’s Marija Kostić’s ambitions remained clear. “I don’t want to say that this is my maximum, 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 Christel Saneh
A Lasting Impression
Throughout the World Cup fans and attendees were able to visit various programmes such as Healthy Athletes, which offered free screenings and resources, including podiatry checks through Fit Feet, vision tests with Opening Eyes, and mental wellness support via Strong Minds, while Young Athletes introduced children and their caregivers to sport through playful activities.
Photo by Iñaki Esnaola
Beyond the competition, it was the people of Katowice who gave the event its heartbeat. Among the crowds were many awestruck children, as well as university students and volunteers from the Academy of Physical Education in Katowice, who were cheering and supporting the games since the opening serve. As one student volunteer, Karol Lenik shared, “It’s amazing to watch the matches with my peers. We’re proud that Poland is hosting. The energy is unbelievable — seeing everyone play inspires us.”
Photo by Iñaki Esnaola
From the start of the World Cup, song, dance and cheers were a regular start, middle and end to the long days. At the Closing Ceremony, just before the lights dimmed, and the last athletes left the court, their medals twinkling proudly on their chests – Team Kenya broke into dance as many joined in on the sidelines, or filmed the moment as a souvenir of the unity and joy that the World Cup brought.
Reflecting on the success of the event, Joanna Styczeń-Lasocka, National Director of Special Olympics Poland, shared moments after the Closing Ceremony, “I am happy that I was able to gather people who followed me, followed my vision. What happened here exceeded our wildest expectations!”
Photo by Christel Saneh
The first of its kind for Unified Volleyball this was certainly a milestone for inclusion in sport. Watching these athletes, it reminded me why sport matters. It binds people together, transcends limits, and redefines what winning means. Because at the end of the game, an athlete is an athlete.
