Athletes participating in Special Olympics volleyball benefit from the camaraderie that comes from competing in a team sport, as well as the training that enables them to successfully serve and return a volleyball.

Athletes can also participate in Unified Sports® volleyball. Unified Sports® is a program that combines Special Olympics athletes and athletes without intellectual disabilities (partners) on sports teams for training and competition.

As in all Special Olympics sports, athletes are grouped in competition divisions according to ability level, age and gender. 

 Volleyball Facts 

• Volleyball was introduced to Special Olympics in 1983.
• Two hundred fifty-nine athletes from 20 teams competed in volleyball at the 2003 Special Olympics World Summer Games in Dublin, Ireland.

• Participation in volleyball at the state level has grown from 43 athletes and partners in 1995 to 124 athletes and partners in 2005. For more information on volleyball or Summer Games, contact Pam Bergerson. 
• Seven Minnesota delegations currently offer their athletes the opportunity to train and compete in volleyball. For a list of delegations offering volleyball, click here.
• In addition to competing in volleyball at Summer Games, athletes also have the opportunity to compete in area competitions in Area 3 and Area 9.

Special Olympics Minnesota Volleyball Events 

Team Competition 
Unified Team Competition

Sports Rules

National Governing Body: Fédération Internationale de Volleyball

Special Olympics Incorporated: Volleyball Rules (updated January 2008)

Other Resources

Eight Week Volleyball Training Plan

eteamz Volleyball Tips

Volleyball Recertification Test

Volleyball Participation by Delegation, Area and Level – Use this link to find a volleyball team in your area.

Volleyball Coaches Training Schools

Knowledge Hound Volleyball Tips