Photo by Christel Saneh
The Serbian teams started their World Cup journey with a setback: major travel delays caused both teams to miss their opening matches. Despite the difficult start, two players – Marija Kostić from the women’s team and Saša Mutapović from the men’s team – shone 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 new start with friends
This seventeen year old Marija Kostic, volley-ball is more than a sport: here she found a sense of belonging. Growing up just outside Belgrade, she inherited her love for the game from her mother, a celebrated local volleyball player. But Marija’s real journey started five years ago, when she went to a special school.
Photo by Christel Saneh
“Where I came from, the community I belonged to was not always welcoming,” Marija explains. “If you were different in any way, it was much harder to be accepted. But that was never the case at my club or with me.” Special Olympics Serbia. From the 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 I was strong, driven and had a lot of potential.”
Outside of training, Marija spends time with her teammates in the park, enjoys an ice cream in the city and shares stories about new adventures and everyday life.
“We also have a team song that gets us pumped up before the game!”
Photo by Iñaki Esnaola
From small town to global stage
Marija’s volleyball journey has not always been easy.
The thoughtful young athlete shared more about her experiences, revealing both her determination and her deep understanding of the game.
Photo by Christel Saneh
“At our National Games in September we played the gold medal match. We had a great first set and a big lead – it felt like victory was already in our hands. But at the start of the second set, things quickly started to fall apart. I really learned not to celebrate too quickly. You have to stay focused until the absolute end. My advice to other young athletes: there is always time to celebrate later, but during the match concentration and teamwork comes first.”
The Gamechanger
Photo by Christel Saneh
After her team’s loss, Marija received life-changing news: she had been selected to represent the Serbian 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 mother and said, ‘I’m going to Poland!’ My grandparents were crying and my little brother jumped across the room shouting, ‘Marija is going to Poland!’”
This trip also marked several firsts for Marija. “This will actually be my first time going abroad, so I’m very happy,” she said before heading to the tournament. “Outside of volleyball, I would love to meet players from other countries and maybe see a bit of the city. But honestly, the biggest fun starts before the tournament, at Belgrade airport. It’s also my very first time flying on a plane, and I’m really looking forward to the experience!”
Competing internationally for the first time, Marija helped the Serbian women’s team play its way to a 7e place – still a proud milestone for the young athlete and her teammates. “I used to feel alone,” she says. “Now I have people who understand me.”
After four days of intensive play and some heavy defeats, 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 greatest wishes is to one day participate in the World Games. I know it will take a lot of hard work and dedication, but that is a goal I would like to achieve.”
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, collecting 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 took place in 2023, Saša felt that the chapter of his athletic journey was nearing its end. He considered himself a seasoned veteran.
“I thought Berlin would be my last, I really did,” he remembers. “I remember crying after our last match. One of the coaches from our delegation who came to see us play gave me a hug after the match and asked if I was crying with joy. I said no, I’m actually very sad: I just played my last match for our national team.” The medals, the memories and the friendships just felt like the perfect ending.
A surprise call
After Serbia earned a place in the World Cup thanks to its strong performance at the European Championships in Slovakia, Saša received an unexpected phone call. His coach knew one thing for sure: Saša still belonged on the field.
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 said before the World Cup. “Just when I thought my playing days were behind me, I have another chance, perhaps the biggest yet. This time to be right at the top.”
Leading on the world stage
His calm leadership has long distinguished him. In previous 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 depend on me,” he says. “We built that trust a long time ago, and it works.”
“This journey is more than just a personal triumph, this journey is also for my teammates. Many of them have become good friends, brothers in the sport. They have pushed me, believed in me and stood by my side for years.”
Photo by Iñaki Esnaola
Saša says much of his journey would not have been possible without his teammate and friend, Nemanja Cendić (No. 6). “We have been playing together for a long time and although we don’t always agree on everything, he has always been there for me. The support, encouragement and acceptance I receive from Nemanja makes a huge difference, both on and off the field. I really consider him family.”
One more moment added an extra layer of pressure and excitement to Saša’s World Cup journey: the news that Serbian volleyball legend, Vanja Grbić, would be in the stands. “To know that Vanja will be there… it’s overwhelming,” Saša said 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 produced a memorable performance for the Serbian men’s team in Poland. The team finished in fifth place, while Slovakia took home the gold. Saša competed against some of the strongest teams in the world and gave everything he had. And while the result wasn’t quite what he had hoped for, it was a match he will 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 that I have not yet achieved is to get a really good job and, if possible, stay connected to our Special Olympics club. I would like to give something back, either as a volunteer or as an assistant in the sport, 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 victory of sorts
As the Unified Volleyball World Cup concluded yesterday, Marija and Saša’s journeys remind us why the Special Olympics matter. From the first serve to the last points, from 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 on October 8 at 4:00 PM CET.
You can re-watch the Opening Ceremony Finals and the Closing and Awards Ceremonies on the Special Olympics Poland YouTube channel: Special Olympics Poland – YouTube.
Follow our dedicated web page for the Special Olympics Unified Volleyball World Cup results, news and seven other athlete stories from across our region.
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