International Volleyball Hall of Fame Celebrates World Volleyball Day with Community, History and Play

More than 90 young athletes joined volleyball enthusiasts from across the region as the International Volleyball Hall of Fame (IVHF) celebrated World Volleyball Day on July 7 with a full day of free activities honoring the birthplace of the sport.

The celebration began with Free Museum Day at the International Volleyball Hall of Fame, where visitors explored the history of volleyball through photos, artifacts and videos. The afternoon continued at Holyoke High School with a free youth clinic for players entering grades 6-12, led by Aaron Jessee, a movement coach and coach at Northeastern University and Endicott College and special guest clinician Chris Seilkop, 4x Paralympian and member of the USA Volleyball Board of Directors.

The evening concluded with the Volleyball Through Time Exhibition Match, where adult players from Enigma Volleyball Club took fans on a 130-year journey through the sport's evolution by competing under the authentic rules of different eras. From unusual rules to long-forgotten systems, each set offered a glimpse into volleyball's history and plenty of laughter from both the players and the crowd.

"World Volleyball Day is about celebrating where our sport began while inspiring where it's going," said George Mulry, Executive Director of the International Volleyball Hall of Fame. "Seeing so many young athletes on the court and hearing the excitement throughout the day made this a fitting tribute to volleyball's remarkable journey from Holyoke to the world."

The International Volleyball Hall of Fame thanks the New England Region Volleyball Association, Enigma Volleyball Club, volunteers and community partners who helped make the celebration a success and continues to invite volleyball fans from around the world to visit the Hall in Holyoke, the birthplace of the sport.