• Born in May 1936, Pałaszewski has been a great influence in Polish volleyball since he started out as a player
• Pałaszewski was also an international referee and is best remembered for overseeing the Olympic Games Montreal 1976 final of the women's tournament
• The FIVB and the global volleyball family extend their heartfelt condolences to the Poland and European volleyball community
The FIVB is deeply saddened by the passing of former Poland national team player, coach and international referee Władysław Pałaszewski, at the age of 87.
Born in May 1936, Pałaszewski has been a great influence in Polish volleyball since he started out as a player for local clubs Klub Sportowy Sparta Legnica, AZS Olsztn and the Gwardia Wrocław, with whom he won two medals at the Polish Championships. He also featured for the national team of Poland for 13 years notably achieving a sixth place finish at the 1962 World Championships.
He dedicated his life to the sport of volleyball, making significant contributions to the Polish Volleyball Federation and the international volleyball community. He demonstrated an unwavering dedication to the growth and development of volleyball in Poland and played a pivotal role in shaping the Poland volleyball landscape, nurturing talent, and fostering a sense of unity. His passion, commitment, and leadership have left an indelible mark on the sport and inspired countless individuals worldwide.
As a coach, he won four Poland league titles with Resovia Rzeszów (1972) and Gwardia Wrocław (1980-1982). He also served as an assistant coach of Poland’s women's national team during the Olympic Games Tokyo 1964, and an assistant coach of Poland’s men's national team at the Olympic Games Moscow 1980. He later became head coach of Poland’s men's national team.
Pałaszewski was also an international referee and is best remembered for overseeing the Olympic Games Montreal 1976 final of the women's tournament in which Japan defeated the Soviet Union. In 2003, he was honoured in the Avenue of Volleyball Stars in Milicz.
The FIVB and the global volleyball family extend their heartfelt condolences to the volleyball communities of Poland and Europe, as well as Władysław Pałaszewski’s family and loved ones at this difficult time.