Special Olympics was present at the launch event International Volleyball Federation (FIB) Volleyball Foundation in Lausanne, Switzerland, on May 30. The newly formed organization aims to leverage its global reach and strength volleyball To support community projects around the world that create positive impact.
The Volleyball Foundation will identify and support pioneering projects from around the world, and provide funding and resources to advance approved initiatives that enhance the social well-being of communities through volleyball.
Special Olympics representative Krzysztof Krukowski said: “We thank FIVB for its unwavering support and warmly welcome the launch of the FIVB Foundation. This initiative represents an important step towards inclusive volleyball, and highlights the importance of cooperation in promoting social well-being through sport.”
“Total volleyball is not just about playing the game; It is about promoting unity, breaking down barriers, and creating opportunities for everyone, regardless of their abilities. “The support from FIVB allows us to expand our reach and impact, bringing the joy and benefits of volleyball to more communities around the world.”
Dr. Ari Graca, President of the Volleyball Foundation, said: “It was a great pleasure to welcome Special Olympics to the launch of the FIVB Foundation. FIVB has already engaged in several fruitful collaborations with the organization through its ongoing Memorandum of Understanding.
“At the Volleyball Foundation, we look forward to exploring further opportunities to work with Special Olympics to advance our shared values of teamwork, inclusivity and connection through volleyball.”
Special Olympics and FIVB have been collaborating on joint projects for some time, after signing a memorandum of understanding during World Games Berlin 2023. This agreement paved the way for knowledge transfer programs, joint sponsorship efforts, cross-promotion of athletes and collaborative efforts to develop volleyball around the world.
Olympic volleyball stars Jeba from Brazil, Vladimir Grbic Serbian beach volleyball gold medalist Laura Ludwig-Boes from Germany was among those present in Berlin during the signing ceremony.
The two organizations reinforced their commitment to inclusion through sport through a series of events in Brazil and Poland in September and October 2023. On 23 September, Special Olympics PolandThe volleyball team attended a volleyball match in Lodz, Poland as part of the FIVB Women’s Road to Paris qualifiers.
Joint events continued in Rio de Janeiro, Brazil. On October 1, Special Olympics Brazil The team attended the volleyball match between the home team and Czechia in the FIVB Men’s Volleyball Road to Paris Qualifier. The match announcer informed the audience of the historic memorandum of understanding that was signed in Berlin, which symbolizes the unity between the two organizations and the global volleyball community.
Looking to the future, Special Olympics aims to organize a unified volleyball world championship in Poland in 2025, featuring teams from all over the world.
