International Volleyball Hall of Fame to Celebrate World Volleyball Day with Free Community Events in Volleyball's Birthplace

HOLYOKE, Mass. (July 2, 2026) — The International Volleyball Hall of Fame (IVHF) will celebrate World Volleyball Day on Tuesday, July 7, with a full day of free events in Holyoke, Massachusetts, honoring the birthplace of volleyball through history, community and play. The celebration includes free museum admission, a free youth clinic for aspiring athletes and a first-of-its-kind free pro exhibition match showcasing the evolution of the sport over the past 130 years.

World Volleyball Day commemorates the first public demonstration of volleyball outside of Holyoke on July 7, 1896, when William G. Morgan brought two teams from Holyoke to the International YMCA Training School in nearby Springfield to showcase his newly invented game. Following extensive historical research conducted by the International Volleyball Hall of Fame, the FIVB officially recognized July 7 as World Volleyball Day. What began in a Holyoke gymnasium is now celebrated by volleyball communities around the globe.

"As the birthplace of volleyball, there is no better place to celebrate World Volleyball Day than Holyoke," said George Mulry, Executive Director of the International Volleyball Hall of Fame. "This day celebrates not only where the world’s game began, but how far it has come. We invite everyone—from lifelong volleyball enthusiasts to families discovering the game for the first time—to join us as we celebrate volleyball's remarkable history and bright future."

The day's celebration begins with Free Museum Day from 11 a.m. to 3 p.m. at the International Volleyball Hall of Fame Museum, 444 Dwight Street, Holyoke, Massachusetts. Admission will be free for all visitors, who can explore exhibits chronicling volleyball's evolution while enjoying open play on grass courts set up outside the museum. No registration is required.

From 4 to 5:30 p.m., the celebration continues with a free co-ed youth volleyball clinic at Holyoke High School, 500 Beech Street, for athletes entering grades 6-12. Open to players of all skill levels, the clinic is limited to 90 participants and requires advance registration (https://www.volleyhall.org/world-volleyball-day-2026.html ).Coaching support will be provided by 4x Paralympian Chris Seilkop from the U.S. Men’s Sitting National team and coaches from the New England Region of USA Volleyball (NERVA). Following the clinic, participants and families are invited to enjoy complimentary snacks and refreshments before the evening's featured event.

The celebration concludes with the Volleyball Through Time Pro Exhibition Match from 6 to 8 p.m. at Holyoke High School.

Believed to be the first event of its kind, two teams featuring players from Team Enigma will compete in a five-set exhibition match, with each set played under the authentic rules of a different era in volleyball's evolution. Beginning with the game's earliest rules and progressing to the modern game, the match will provide spectators with a unique look at how volleyball has changed over the past 130 years. Referees and game officials will also adapt to each era's rules, bringing volleyball's history to life in real time.

Free parking for the youth clinic and exhibition match is available off Resnic Boulevard near the baseball stadium and football field at Holyoke High School.

All World Volleyball Day activities are free and open to the public.

For youth clinic registration and additional event information, visit https://www.volleyhall.org/world-volleyball-day-2026.html.