Slovakia and the UAE claim top spots in the inaugural event
The first-ever Special Olympics Unified Volleyball World Cup concluded successfully in Katowice, Poland, on 8 October, marking a major step forward in promoting inclusion through sport.
Organised by Special Olympics Poland and the Polish Volleyball Federation, with the FIVB as a key global partner, the event brought together 16 international teams for four days of inspiring competition at the iconic Spodek Sports Hall. In the men’s competition, Slovakia claimed the gold medal, whilst in the women’s competition, the United Arab Emirates secured top spot on the podium. Ukraine and Kenya took silver and bronze respectively in the women’s competition, with Saudi Arabia and Poland taking silver and bronze respectively in the men’s tournament.
As part of its ongoing commitment to fostering collaboration, peace, integration and solidarity as part of its Strategic Vision 2032, the FIVB provided €50,000 in support funding and joined event organisers in celebrating the power of volleyball to unite people of all abilities.
Each participating team was composed of players with intellectual disabilities, known as athletes, and players without intellectual disabilities, known as Unified partners. In total, the event featured 192 players, 48 coaches and 16 volleyball ambassadors, representing a truly global movement.
The competition programme included group and final matches, an Opening Ceremony, a celebrity match and wellness activities as part of the Special Olympics Healthy Athletes initiative. The event also coincided with the 40th anniversary of Special Olympics Poland, drawing more than 500 students, 100 family members, 100 guests and 30 media representatives. Matches and interviews were broadcast live on the Special Olympics Poland website.
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FIVB President Fabio Azevedo praised the tournament’s spirit, stating:
“The Special Olympics Unified Volleyball World Cup was a powerful demonstration of volleyball’s unique ability to bring people together. What we witnessed in Katowice went far beyond sport – it was a celebration of unity, respect and shared humanity. The FIVB’s Strategic Vision 2032 is built on the principles of collaboration, integration, peace and solidarity, and this event perfectly embodied those values. Through volleyball, we can bridge differences, empower individuals and create opportunities for all.
We are incredibly proud to have partnered with Special Olympics and the Polish Volleyball Federation to deliver such an inspiring event. This Unified World Cup carries a fantastic mission and purpose, and we look forward to supporting many more initiatives that reflect the inclusive spirit of our sport. Together as One, we continue to build a better, more connected world through volleyball.”
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Lou Lauria, Special Olympics Chief of Sport and Competition added;
“Having high-level sport events like our first ever Unified Volleyball World Cup, especially when directly supported by the respective international federation and national volleyball federation, serves as a critical catalyst for sport development all while helping to further dispel stereotypes and implied limitations of individuals with intellectual and developmental disabilities both on and off the court.”
“With the International Volleyball Federation’s support and involvement, events like the Unified Volleyball World Cup will propel volleyball forward not just for our athletes, but for anyone who aspires to play and compete anywhere around the world,” he added.
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