The 2025 World ParaVolley Sitting Volleyball World Cup opened in Fort Wayne on Saturday, marking the discipline’s first major meeting since the Paris Paralympic Games. Before the competition started, the day focused on preparation, coordination and connection between athletes, officials and organizers as the week’s events got underway.
The activities started with an athlete photo shoot with all participating teams, a first for World ParaVolley, spotlighting the athletes who define the sport. With the 2026 World Championships on the horizon, the session attracted both familiar faces and newcomers, reflecting the growing reach and diversity of sitting volleyball.
This was followed by the General Technical Meeting, where team representatives, referees and organizers came together to agree on the details for the tournament. Discussions focused on competition logistics and the broader pathway connecting this World Cup with next year’s World Championships. The local organizing committee and technical officials showed steady preparation and professionalism as the teams completed their final preparations before the game started.
A brief dialogue between the World ParaVolley Board, led by President Juergen Schrapp, and team leaders added a reflective moment to the day. It served as an opportunity for World ParaVolley to connect directly with its stakeholders, strengthen collaboration and encourage shared involvement in shaping the future of the sport.
In the evening, the opening ceremony provided a warm and inclusive welcome to Fort Wayne. Teams were introduced to the crowd as athletes and officials filled the room with applause and anticipation for the week ahead. Addressing the crowd, Schrapp cited World ParaVolley’s recent Memorandum of Understanding with the FIVB as an important step toward expanding opportunities for athletes and increasing ParaVolley’s visibility within the global volleyball community.
Turnstone, the local host of the event, ran the day with efficiency and care, setting a welcoming tone that reflected the strong sense of community surrounding the tournament. The occasion also highlighted Fort Wayne’s growing role in supporting adaptive sports and creating meaningful experiences for athletes and fans alike.
The 2025 World ParaVolley Sitting Volleyball World Cup begins Sunday at the Plassman Athletic Center at the Turnstone Center for Children & Adults with Disabilities. This coming week, Fort Wayne will welcome the best teams in the world in a celebration of competition, inclusivity and the continued growth of sitting volleyball.
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