VNL Legacy Court inaugurates transformed space in Brasília

The VNL (Volleyball Nations League) is set to depart Brasília after two exciting weeks of elite-level action that marked the start of its 2026 edition, but the impact of the event in the city will continue to be felt, and the memories will live well beyond the walls of the Nilson Nelson stadium.

The Brazilian capital is the first host city to take part in the VNL Legacy Court program, a new global initiative created by the FIVB, Volleyball World and the Volleyball Foundation, and will have an artistically transformed outdoor volleyball court available for its population following the conclusion of the event.

Inaugurated on Friday, the court is located at the Parque da Cidade Sarah Kubitschek, the largest and most popular outdoor public park in the city, and was transformed in collaboration with local artist Gelin Graff, known for large-scale urban murals that bring together sport, movement and identity.

The artwork in the transformed court features the images of Brazilian national team stars Gabriela ‘Gabi’ Guimarães, Ricardo Lucarelli, Rosamaria Montibeller, Darlan Souza, Maique Nascimento and Brasília-native Júlia Kudiess and incorporates traits of the city.

"Twenty-three years ago, it was me playing in a court like this," Lucarelli said. "I'm really honored to have my face drawn into this space. To be an example and make people believe that they can achieve their dreams is really special."

The court will be used by the grassroots volleyball program of the Brazilian Volleyball Federation (CBV), named VivaVôlei, while also being available for the local population and serving as a place where they can not only play the game, but also gather and connect with the sport in different ways. The program treats public sport infrastructure as much more than only a playing field, but as a visible and lasting symbol of volleyball’s values – unity, inclusivity, respect and empowerment.

The inauguration event, organized with the support of the CBV, counted on FIVB, Volleyball World and Volleyball Foundation executives, Brazilian national team players Lucarelli, Darlan and Maique and legendary former Cuban player Mireya Luis. The VivaVôlei kids who will use the space also took part in the festivities, interacting with the players on the new court.

"It feels great to be able to support a project like this," Maique said. "We need to take this idea to the entire world. Sports save lives and form great people, so the goal behind this program is amazing. It's always nice to be in touch with the kids, and I'm sure this is a special day for everyone here."

Starting in 2026, the VNL Legacy Court aims to leave something behind in the cities that host the event, while also promoting community engagement and supporting the growth of the sport around the world by bringing together elite volleyball, local artistic expression and grassroots volleyball that’s accessible for all.

The program also contributes to improved gender equality and increased empowerment of women and girls in Brasília through sport and to improved physical, mental and social health of the local population.

By featuring the stars of the sport on the court, the program honors the players and personalities that inspire people around the world at the same time that it creates a strong connection between them and the young people who will use the space.

Set to be used by hundreds of people, the VNL Legacy Court in Brasília will serve as a new place to celebrate the sport in the city and a permanent symbol of the connection between elite players and everyday athletes.

By combining sport and art in community settings, the initiative supports the FIVB Strategic Vision 2032 and its ambition to reach 1.6 billion people by making volleyball available to everyone, everywhere.

The court in Brasília is just the first in the program, which will also be implemented in Türkiye and the Philippines during the VNL 2026.

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