The competition will comprise of eight women’s and eight men’s/mixed teams. Each team, consisting of six athletes with intellectual disabilities, six Unified partners (competitors without intellectual disabilities), will play five matches in Katowice with the aim of winning the Unified Volleyball World Cup and promoting inclusion on and off the court.
Apart from the four days of competition, fans can expect to enjoy a celebrity match during Opening Ceremony on 5 October featuring top volleyball talent and special guests. Those who cannot attend the competition in person will have the opportunity to view online via a livestream on Special Olympics Poland’s website, which will offer interviews with players, coaches, and guests, along with coverage of the matches.
Special Olympics Poland volleyball player Piotr Bociek said, “I can’t wait. I know it’s going to be fun and colourful. I’m convinced that we can fight for victory in Katowice. We’ll be playing at home, we know the hall, so nothing should surprise us. The key in our team is mutual support. It really helps us get through tough moments on the court.”
“I see a positive attitude across the whole team. In the coming weeks, we want to improve our reception, because our effective attack depends on it. If that works, I’m confident about our performance.”
Sebastian Świderski, President of the Polish Volleyball Federation, said, “In Special Olympics, I see true emotions. Here, no one cheats. It’s all about full commitment and leaving your whole heart on the court. It’s also a valuable lesson for professional volleyball players: come and see that anyone can be passionate about volleyball. We’re organizing the World Cup tournament in a place that holds special significance for Polish volleyball. It was right here, in Spodek Arena, that Michał Winiarski lifted the World Championship trophy for Poland in 2014. So it’s hard to imagine a more legendary venue for the World Cup than Spodek itself. We warmly invite everyone who wants to witness the fight, passion, and pure joy of the game.”
“The sport of volleyball continues to thrive and grow across Europe Eurasia, making it the perfect time for our region to host this exciting global event. The Volleyball hotspot of Katowice, Poland is the perfect location to celebrate this global manifestation of inclusion, sport, unity. We look forward to welcoming these 16 teams with almost 200 players with and without intellectual disabilities, to live, breathe and play Unified from 5 to 8 October- celebrating the best of inclusive sports and the best of ourselves at a time when the world needs it most.”
Lou Lauria, Special Olympics Chief of Sport and Competition, commented, “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.
A Special Year for Special Olympics Poland
Special Olympics Unified Volleyball World Cup comes to Poland in a special year—when Special Olympics Poland celebrates its 40th anniversary. Joanna Styczeń-Lasocka, National Director of Special Olympics Poland, said: “For Special Olympics Poland, the year 2025 is truly exceptional. Not only are we celebrating the 40th anniversary of our organization, but we are also proud to be the host of a major sporting event, the Special Olympics Unified Volleyball World Cup, Katowice 2025.”
“Athletes from all over the world will come to our country to once again show that sport has a unique power to unite people. Special Olympics not only educates society about inclusion, but also has the ability to organize sports events on a truly global scale. Join us, cheer for our athletes, and see with your own eyes how beautiful the idea of Special Olympics truly is!”
Teams Competing
Men’s/Mixed teams: Austria, Finland, Iraq, Poland, Saudi Arabia, Serbia, Slovakia, USA
Women’s Teams: Bharat, Italy, Kenya, Mongolia, Namibia, Serbia, UAE, Ukraine
Partners and Support
City of Katowice, Polish Volleyball Federation (PZPS), International Volleyball Federation (FIVB), European Union (EU), Lions Clubs International Foundation (LCIF), Toyota Motor Europe (TME), Huawei Poland, Oshee, PKP S.A, PKP Intercity, University of Physical Education in Katowice, Wirtualna Polska, 4F, Golisano Foundation, OneSight EssilorLuxottica Foundation, Safilo, Sanofi, Avery Dennison Foundation
Co-Funders: State Fund for Rehabilitation of Persons with Disabilities (PFRON), Ministry of Sport and Tourism