Stories From the Field of Play
Win or lose, our athletes leave it all on the field. Read more about their triumphs, trials and trainings here.
Athletes and coaches, share your story at the bottom of the page!
Athletes and coaches, share your story at the bottom of the page!
From Quiet Struggles to a Wicked Spike: Sonia Ciboldi Rises as Italy Defeats Serbia 2–1
For Sonia Ciboldi, camaraderie goes hand-in-hand with competition as Italy edges Serbia 2–1 and enters the race for fifth place at the Special Olympics Unified Volleyball World Cup Poland 2025.
3 Min Read
The Stage is Set: Find out who Advanced to the Final of the Unified Volleyball World Cup
After three days of competition and 32 matches later, the finals of the Special Olympics Unified Volleyball World Cup are set.
3 Min Read
Michael Svitak—Guiding Light of Team Austria!
At 48, Team Austria’s Michael Svitak is one of the most experienced players, taking up the role of “unofficial captain” and leading by example both on and off the court.
2 Min Read
Slovakia’s Rising Star: Šimon Jakuš Shines on Court AND on Stage!
On day two of the Special Olympics Unified Volleyball World Cup Poland 2025, Šimon and Team Slovakia took on Austria once again, securing a decisive 2:0 victory.
2 Min Read
Inaugural Special Olympics European Union Day: Athlete Voices Echo in Heart of Europe
The inaugural Special Olympics European Union (EU) Day, a flagship event of the European Week of Sport, saw almost 200 athletes, coaches and staff take Brussels by storm as they raised their voices at the European Parliament and the European Commission on 24 and 25 September.
3 Min Read
Day 2 of the Unified Volleyball World Cup in the Books – Up Next
Day 2 of competition at the Special Olympics Unified Volleyball World Cup in Katowice, Poland from 5-8 October brought a mix of emotions for all 16 competing teams as some rose to the top of their groups and others fell.
2 Min Read
Hope in Every Serve: How Volleyball Inspires Nataliia Vyhivska’s Dreams
DayNataliia Vyhivska and her team played to win in Katowice, beating Team Mongolia 2-0 (25-11, 25-20). “When I’m on the court, everything else disappears."
3 Min Read
Special Olympics Unified Volleyball World Cup in Poland
From 5–8 October 2025, Katowice, Poland will host a thrilling showdown as 16 Unified Volleyball teams—featuring nearly 200 athletes—take center court at the iconic Spodek Arena.
Competition in Full Swing for the Unified Volleyball World Cup Poland 2025
The tournament’s first 6 games set the tone for can be expected over the rest of the competition.
3 Min Read
Chasing World Cup Gold with Finland's Mika Ahonen
For nearly three decades, volleyball has been more than just a sport for Special Olympics Finland athlete Mika Ahonen—it has been a source of challenge and connection.
3 Min Read
Share Your Story
Athletes and coaches: we would love to hear your story! Fill out this form to share your experiences with the Special Olympics community.