Poland star Tomasz Fornal expressed his delight at being one of the seven athletes honored in the Volleyball Legacy Art Project, an initiative of the FIVB Volleyball Foundation held in celebration of the FIVB Volleyball Men’s World Championship in the Philippines.
Fornal, together with Italy’s Simone Giannelli, Brazil’s Ricardo Lucarelli, France’s Jean Patry, Japan’s Yuki Ishikawa, USA’s Erik Shoji, and Alas Pilipinas’ own Bryan Bagunas, was immortalized in a vibrant outdoor mural at a court in Parañaque.
The 28-year-old outside hitter, one of the fan favorites of the World Championship, said the honor was truly special and expressed his gratitude for being forever etched in Manila.
“It looks amazing. I’m very happy to be part of this—it’s something truly special for me,” Fornal said in an interview with the FIVB. “Now, I’ll be here forever in Manila.”
The Volleyball Legacy Art Project aims to foster the growth of the sport while inspiring the next generation to embrace volleyball.
It also showcases the unique fusion of art and athletics, serving as a landmark celebration of the first-ever Men’s World Championship held in the Southeast Asian region.
Renowned urban artist Maya Carandang, the creative force behind MAYA100, brought the mural to life.
FIVB President Fabio Azevedo, FIVB Executive Vice President, AVC President, and PNVF President Ramon “Tats” Suzara, PSC Chairman Patrick “Pato” Gregorio, Bagunas, and Carandang all attended the event last Friday.
After the unveiling, the court immediately became a hub of activity as children from the neighborhood tested out the space, playing beneath the vibrant mural of their volleyball idols.
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