Fort Wayne to Host 2025 World Paravolley World Cup in October

Fort Wayne is preparing to host a major international sporting event this fall, as nearly 500 athletes from more than 20 countries descend on the city for the 2025 World Paravolley World Cup.

The tournament—an elite adaptive sports competition—will be held October 12–18 at Turnstone’s Plassman Athletic Center. It marks the second time the nonprofit has hosted an international adaptive sports event, following its 2019 qualifiers in goalball and judo.

A global stage for elite sit volleyball

Athletes will compete in sit volleyball, a fast-paced variant of traditional volleyball that is played on a smaller court with a lower net. All players must remain in contact with the ground while playing, leveling the field across a broad range of physical disabilities.

“In sit volleyball, you see a lot of individuals with different amputations or impairments who may not be able to compete in standing volleyball,” said Kevin Hugh, Turnstone’s Manager of Sports. “This format puts everyone on an equal playing field.”

The competition is also a critical step on the road to the 2028 Paralympic Games in Los Angeles, where many of these athletes hope to represent their countries at the highest level.

Turnstone’s growing international reputation

Turnstone, a national leader in adaptive sports, has steadily gained recognition as a premier destination for inclusive athletic competition.

In 2019, the organization hosted an international Paralympic qualifying event that included judo and goalball, two cornerstone sports of the Paralympic movement.

This October’s World Cup will further solidify its standing, according to Michelle Kimpel, Turnstone’s Director of Sports and Recreation.

“We’re proud not only of Turnstone and our facility, but of how the whole Fort Wayne community steps up,” Kimpel said. “The airport, Visit Fort Wayne, city government, hotels, and the Grand Wayne Center have all joined together to make this happen.”

Local impact: economic and cultural boost

Hosting the World Cup is expected to bring a surge in visitors and economic activity to Fort Wayne, particularly in the hospitality and tourism sectors. With delegations arriving from across Europe, the Americas, and Asia, the week-long tournament will generate bookings for local hotels, restaurants, and transport services.

It also represents a cultural opportunity for local residents to engage with elite international athletes and gain exposure to adaptive sports—a field that continues to grow in visibility and participation across the U.S.

Volunteer support needed

Turnstone is currently recruiting volunteers for the October event. Duties may include event setup, hospitality, scorekeeping, media coordination, and athlete assistance.

A volunteer interest form is available through Visit Fort Wayne’s official website.

The organization emphasizes that volunteers need not have prior sports experience—just a willingness to support an inclusive and inspirational event.

What is sit volleyball?

Sit volleyball is played with many of the same rules as traditional volleyball, but with key adaptations:

• The net is 3 feet high instead of the standard 7 feet 11 inches.

• The court is smaller: 10 meters long and 6 meters wide.

• Players must have part of their torso touching the ground at all times while playing the ball.

• It is one of the fastest-growing Paralympic sports, requiring agility, reflexes, and communication.

The road to Los Angeles 2028

The World Paravolley World Cup in Fort Wayne is more than a tournament—it’s a checkpoint on the way to the Paralympic Games in 2028.

For many athletes, October’s matches could help determine selection to their national teams. For fans and local spectators, it’s a rare chance to see future Paralympians compete in person.

Turnstone: A hub for adaptive excellence

Turnstone’s broader mission includes year-round programming for athletes with disabilities, from recreational fitness to elite competition. It is one of only 11 U.S. Olympic & Paralympic Training Site partners in the nation.

The facility regularly hosts the National Wheelchair Basketball Association (NWBA) women’s and military division championships, among other marquee events.

With October’s World Cup, Turnstone takes yet another step toward becoming a global center for adaptive sports.