The incredible success of the inaugural World Volleyball Day on July 7th was significantly enhanced by the dedicated actions and valuable contributions of the FIVB`s global partners and stakeholders.
The Global Volleyball Movement, which currently comprises 222 National Federations (NFs), five Continental Confederations, and 22 Zonal Associations, extends its reach to every part of the world. Many of these entities actively participated in the World Volleyball Day celebrations.
Their collective efforts not only broadened the day`s visibility but also generated concrete positive impacts across various domains, including education, environmental sustainability, youth participation, and cultural enrichment.
Across the Asian Volleyball Confederation, grand celebrations were observed among numerous National Federations. For instance, Volleyball Philippines highlighted the sport`s power to unite and uplift communities, inspiring the nation with a special feature presented at the SM Mall of Asia Globe.
The Bhutan Volleyball Federation marked the occasion at the Changlimithang Volleyball Arena in Thimphu by launching the 2025 School Volley Cup. This three-day tournament drew 550 students from 15 districts, with a focus on strengthening youth involvement in volleyball throughout the country.
The Nepal Volleyball Association hosted a vibrant volleyball festival that brought hundreds of people together, celebrating community participation and the sport`s integral role in everyday life. Similarly, the Volleyball Association of Jammu and Kashmir organized exhibition matches and insightful guest lectures, effectively blending sports with community empowerment initiatives.
Furthermore, on July 7th, an FIVB team was in Palau for an official visit, where World Volleyball Day celebrations were in full swing. The day featured an energetic beach volleyball showcase, bringing together the local volleyball community and athletes participating in the Pacific Mini Games. The event fostered a festive and inclusive atmosphere, with players, fans, and youth all uniting around their shared enjoyment of the sport.
The day’s celebrations in Palau also received coverage on ANOC TV, the media platform of the Association of National Olympic Committees. In an interview, FIVB President Fabio Azevedo shared his joy at witnessing children enthusiastically playing beach volleyball against the breathtaking natural beauty of Palau.
Across the Americas, NORCECA extended World Volleyball Day into a week-long series of activities that continued through July 13th. Their coordinated regional efforts demonstrated how federations are utilizing this special day to build long-term awareness and foster deeper connections across national borders.
In Europe, alongside the presidential recognition received by France’s Olympic volleyball champions at the Élysée Palace, National Federations across the continent marked the day by emphasizing the profound importance of the sport in positively transforming people’s lives.
Meanwhile, National Federations throughout South America celebrated the day on their online platforms, acknowledging the sport’s broad appeal to individuals of all ages.
This widespread celebratory spirit was also evident across Africa, with many NFs reminding their followers of volleyball`s immense power in strengthening communal bonds and inspiring individuals both on and off the court.
The FIVB Volleyball Foundation and its certified projects also actively participated, using the occasion to promote ongoing initiatives focused on education, equality, and sustainability. For example, the Brahmaputra Volleyball League adopted a unique approach by combining celebration with tangible action. As part of their World Volleyball Day activities, over 1,000 children collectively planted more than 1,500 trees across Assam, thereby linking the sport with environmental stewardship and long-term community investment. Their continued work consistently demonstrates how volleyball can serve as a powerful platform for positive societal change.
Professional players also took part in the celebrations, with many sharing personal reflections on their social media platforms. For instance, Australian three-time Olympian Kerri Pottharst posted a heartfelt message reflecting on how profoundly the sport has shaped her life and identity, stating:
“From this moment so long ago…to now…and with so much more to come. My life really is this sport and everyone I’ve met along the way… and this sport and everyone really is my life.”
While it is impossible to feature every single post, we have genuinely cherished seeing all the content celebrating World Volleyball Day. A fan highlight reel is currently being compiled – stay tuned on FIVB, Volleyball World, and the FIVB Volleyball Foundation channels for more!
Oliver Wrenwick 
Finley Blackwood