Photo by Christel Saneh
Playing volleyball on the beach at home in South Africa might have seemed effortless as a kid — a few rallies in the sand, tripping over my feet, and then laughing between serves. But still watching the best in the world on the Unified Volleyball World Cup revealed just how intense and demanding the sport really is. Playing in the legendary Spodek Arena, the athletes felt every serve reverberate through the packed stands.
This was my second time reporting on athletes for the Special Olympics – earlier this year I covered 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 that we sometimes covered our ears.
Photo by Iñaki Esnaola
Hosted by Special Olympic Games PolandSpecial 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 October 5 to 8, bringing together 16 teams from all over the world in 40 intensive matches. Each team consisted of six volleyball players, six Unified partners (players without intellectual disabilities), three coaches and one volleyball ambassador – a structure designed to embody the spirit of inclusivity.
The opening ceremony began with a hushed audience as we were treated to a moving dance by renowned American-Polish dancer Ida Victoria, choreographed in collaboration with Special Olympics athletes and Unified partners. The dance served as a gentle reminder of the power of a society where equality is truly valued.
Photo by Christel Saneh
“When you organize an event like this, you tend to prepare for the hiccups – and we did that. We are very happy with the support from the fans and the energy among the athletes and teams; it was wonderful. We learned a lot and now we can apply that to other events of this magnitude,” said Mirek Krogulec, Vice President of Sports, Special Olympics Europe Eurasia.
This was the first Special Olympics Unified Volleyball World Cup, and Katowice’s volleyball history and electric atmosphere made it the perfect stage for this milestone moment.
Poland’s bronze triumph
Poland’s match against Iraq as third place was filled with excitement and joy in equal measure. Krystian Fąfara, one of Poland’s most notable players, thanked the home crowd for their continued support.
“I feel so good here – the atmosphere, the people, the energy when you come in, it’s incredibly positive,” Krystian said shortly after Poland’s bronze victory against Iraq. “When you play 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 to bring national attention to the event through a dynamic promotional campaign. Watch the full video with background information about this powerful campaign here.
Speaking about the campaign, which highlighted the wider purpose of the Special Olympics, Krzysztof Krukowski, Senior Director of Organizational Development at Special Olympics Europe Eurasia, said:
“We are happy with what we were able to achieve. The ad campaign was a success 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
Gold Glory for the UAE and Slovakia
Gold for two, and a triumph for all. The United Arab Emirates built their victory on trust in teammates, coordination and perfect timing, with their chemistry unwavering. Slovakia, meanwhile, were quick to turn their success into a celebration, throwing their teammates into the air and lifting crowns. Together, both teams recorded something Special Olympic Games Unified Sports® stands for where inclusivity and shared victory are central.
Photo by Iñaki Esnaola
Faces behind the game
Over the four exciting days, every service had 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 had a special place in his heart. He had been playing actively since the age of 14 and became a key player when his country took home the crown.
Before the match, Šimon shared: “I want to show that I can be an athlete and achieve success for the whole of Slovakia.” Goal achieved Šimon!
Photo by Christel Saneh
Beaming after her team’s 2-1 victory Serbia, ItalySonia Ciboldi revealed how volley-ball had taught her focus and patience, and how she loved seeing how the team’s small improvements only made them stronger, both on and off the field.
“I love volleyball because it’s an interdependent sport and while the sport itself is important to me, I love hanging out with my teammates afterwards and spending time with friends. Eat some pizza, you know?”
Photo by Christel Saneh
And although the losses were heavy, even after four intense days, Serbian 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 participate in the World Games one day. I know it will take a lot of hard work and dedication, but that is a goal I would like to achieve.”
Photo by Christel Saneh
A lasting impression
Throughout the World Cup, fans and visitors could attend various programs such as Healthy athleteswhich offered free testing and resources, including podiatry checkups Fit feetvision tests with Open your eyesand mental wellbeing support via Strong mindswhile Young athletes introducing children and their caregivers to sports through playful activities.
Photo by Iñaki Esnaola
In addition to the competition, it was the people of Katowice who gave the event a boost. The crowd included many impressed children, as well as university students and volunteers from the Academy of Physical Education in Katowice, who have been cheering and supporting the games since the opening service. As student volunteer Karol Lenik shared, “It’s great to watch the games with my peers. We are proud to host Poland. The energy is incredible – seeing everyone play inspires us.”
Photo by Iñaki Esnaola
From the start of the World Cup, singing, dancing and cheering were a regular beginning, middle and end of the long days. At the closing ceremony, just before the lights dimmed and the last athletes left the field, their medals glittering proudly on their chests, Team Kenya began dancing as many on the sidelines joined in, or filmed the moment as a souvenir of the unity and joy the World Cup brought.
Reflecting on the success of the event, Joanna Styczeń-Lasocka, National Director of Special Olympics Poland, said shortly after the closing ceremony: “I am happy that I was able to gather people who followed me and followed my vision. What happened here exceeded our wildest expectations!”
Photo by Christel Saneh
This was the first of its kind for Unified Volleyball and was certainly a milestone for inclusion in the sport. Watching these athletes reminded me why sports are important. It connects people, transcends boundaries and redefines what winning means. Because at the end of the game, an athlete is an athlete.
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