Over 100 volleyball players with and without intellectual disabilities from eight countries gathered at the Economic University in Bratislava to compete in the recent regional Unified volleyball tournament hosted by Slovakia from 1 to 4 December 2024. The teams—from Germany, The Netherlands, Italy, Austria, Bosnia and Herzegovina, Finland, Serbia and Slovakia—were vying for first place in Division A which would secure a direct spot in the Special Olympics World Unified Volleyball Cup. The competition was stiff but eventually it was Special Olympics Slovakia’s team from the Unified School in Stará Ľubovňa which secured gold.
The medals were awarded to the winners by sports legends and Olympic champions, including Vladimir Grbič—Serbian Olympic champion and Special Olympics Global Ambassador—and Zuzana Rehák-Štefečeková—Olympic champion in sports shooting and board member of Special Olympics Slovakia. Marek Rojko, CEV (European Volleyball Confederation) Vice President and President of the Slovak Volleyball Federation showed that the national and European volleyball community’s full support at the tournament’s opening.
Speaking following the tournament, Eva Gazova, National Director of Special Olympics Slovakia noted, “We are very proud of our athletes, Unified partners, and coaches who competed in this event. Not only did they show sportsmanship throughout, they also managed to win all of their matches, showcasing their impressive skills in a home environment. The success of our Unified Volleyball team confirms the high level of inclusion in sports within Special Olympics in Slovakia.” She added, “We would also like to thank the Slovak Volleyball Federation, volunteers from the Slávia Economic University, volunteers from Kings School International, all the referees, The Club, and the Park Inn Radisson Danube hotel, as well aspartners: Toyota and Lions Clubs International Foundation.”
Mirek Krogulec, Vice President, Sports, Special Olympics Europe Eurasia (SOEE) added,“This event proved how important regular international tournaments are to maintain and growUnified volleyball interest in Europe. Our host in Slovakia arranged optimal conditions to perform, so each team could fully present their ability and the values of inclusion on and off the court. I’m pleased to see a growing understanding of inclusion and Unified Sports principles by players, Unified partners, coaches and volunteers. Finally, for the first time at international level we had a team from The Netherlands. This event mobilized Special Olympics Netherlands to continue cooperation with Nevobo and ensure the growth of Unified Volleyball. Also, Special Olympics Germany came with new Unified team. There is no better evidence of the impact of tournament in Bratislava than these things—they mean more than medals for me.”
