Photo by Iñaki Esnoola
For Nataliia Vyhivska, volley-ball Is more than a sport: it is a source of hope. She gets strength from every serve, and when life feels insecure, the volleyball court is a place where her best herself shines.
From home to court
Nataliia has trained in multiple sports, including floor ball, athletics, air gymnastics and football, but volleyball has become its greatest passion. She started in her native country in Zhytomyr and later moved to Poland because of the war to study at a special school, and continued to train relentlessly even though her world changed so quickly.
Her coaches noted that her resilience and determination during this transition even inspired the adults around her. When asked how she learned to stay calm before she stepped out of the field, Nataliia shared:
“I concentrate the most on the ball: to receive it correctly, you make accurate steps and generally serve and controls the flow of the game. This helps me a lot.”
Grow as a teammate
Nataliia’s favorite memory of her volleyball trip is together of the very first training session of her team. The girls had never met before and were quite nervous, but like many first meetings of Special Olympics -athletes, a friendship quickly formed.
Photo by Iñaki Esnoola
“At first we were shy, but then we started playing together and laughing. That is when we became a real team. Volleyball shows me that even if it is difficult, if you support each other, you can achieve something great.”
Led by mentors and family
Nataliia’s success is based on the non -reinforcing cheers of her mother, who raised her in a family of ten brothers and sisters, all excited to see her shine. Nataliia’s mother always encouraged her daughter to follow her dreams and fully support her. When the stressors and self -doubt of life met Nataliia, volleyball and the guidance of its community became a safe haven. Her coaches, Svitlana Lesyk and Tetiana Chornoknyzhna, have encouraged Nataliia to listen to her body, to help her control stress and maintain motivation in the light of adversity.
‘My mother always says that you are:’ You are strong. You can do it. ‘Even when I doubt myself, volleyball and my friends help me feel safe and stable.
Creativity outside the court
Volleyball is central to Nataliia’s life, but her passions extend beyond the court. She likes dancing, singing and air gymnastics, with her teachers and classmates who describe her as a natural leader, her kindness that stretches around her.
“I love singing and dancing, and I often play at school concerts and events. Practicing these activities helps me to feel confident and gives me energy to keep working hard in sport.”
Ready for the world stage
Natalia and her teams are currently competing on the Special Olympics Unified Volleyball World Cup Katowice 2025. This inaugural volleyball World Cup brings athletes such as Nataliia from all over the world together, giving them the opportunity to compete and make contact with colleagues in an international competition.
Photo by Iñaki Esnoola
“I am excited to play in such a big tournament. I want to get confidence, learn from others and make new friends. I have learned a lot from my own teammates, both as a athlete and a person, such as how I can perform different technical skills correctly, and my volleyball skills have improved considerably.”
The World Cup takes place from 5-8 October; Every match Nataliia and Team Ukraine learns something new, winning or losing, so that the athletes can improve their game.
Hope and dreams
Looking at the future, Nataliia dreams of competing in the World Winter Special Olympic Games In floor ball.
Photo by Iñaki Esnoola
“Volleyball gives me hope. Every serve is a chance to dream bigger and keep going. In five years I hope to play floor ball at the Special Olympics in the World Winter. Sports have taught me to train hard, to stay focused and believe in myself.”
When asked which Gems of Wisdom she could have for someone who has just started their journey in competitive sports, Nataliia advised wisely:
“I would tell them that they should not give up if something fails the first time. Always train hard and everything will be fine in the end.”
You can view the opening ceremony, competitions and closing and granting ceremonies from 5 to 8 October live at the Special Olympics Poland YouTube Channel: Special Olympics Poland – YouTube.
Follow our special webpage for the Special Olympics Unified Volleyball World Cup During the tournament for the full schedule and the results, news and seven other athlete stories from our region.
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