
Standing at an impressive 1.98 meters tall, Sebastiaan Van Luijn faced bullying during his childhood, which could have easily deterred him from his dreams. Instead, he found strength in his passion for sport and the unwavering encouragement of those around him.
Today, Sebastiaan is a proud representative of the Special Olympics Netherlands team, gearing up for the most significant short track speed skating competition of his life: the Special Olympics World Winter Games Turin 2025. The Games, which will take place from 8 to 15 March next year, will be the world’s largest sports and humanitarian event with a total of 1,500 athletes representing more than 100 countries gathering in Italy to compete.
Sebastiaan’s story is part of the ‘Celebrate the Exceptional’ campaign, supported by Toyota Motor Europe and UPS, a visual and narrative project designed to spotlight eight exceptional Special Olympics winter athletes representing their countries at the World Winter Games Turin 2025.
Overcoming Bullying Through Support and Sport
Growing up, Sebastiaan’s height made him a target for bullies, an experience that could have had a lasting impact.
"I didn't understand it before," said Sebastiaan, who currently works as a groundskeeper in parks and public gardens. "I was bullied a lot with my big body and I was often sad about that. But now I'm at peace with it and I have a lot of lovely people around me."
Thanks to his family’s proactive approach and the supportive conversations they had with the parents of the bullies, Sebastiaan began to overcome it. Over time, the situation improved.
"Sometimes I still find it difficult," continued Sebastiaan, 43. "There are still people who are mean to me, but I am proud of myself and that is the most important thing".
The support system around Sebastiaan—his family, friends, and coaches—was instrumental in helping him push past the negative experiences.
"My mother is very important to me," he said. "My coaches Marjolein and Marijke, they are real toppers. They talk to me and then I feel completely better. [It’s] very special what they do for me. They are my family, just like the people of Special Olympics!
His mother Inge added: "We have to do it together and we are stronger together.”
Sebastiaan, who has grown to become a much-loved celebrity in his home city of Beverwijk, believes that having a strong support network is crucial in overcoming obstacles, a lesson he now carries with him into his athletic career.
“I am also doing this for my dad”, said Sebastiaan, whose father passed away four years ago. “I know for sure that he is very proud of me. So I am also doing it for him. It would be so nice to win a medal for him.”

Finding a Passion for Speed Skating
Sebastiaan’s journey in short track speed skating began at a young age when he first asked his teacher where he could practice it. The search led him to the Haarlemse Foundation for Ice Skating, where he began with long track skating before taking up short track skating in 2013. "I think short track competitions are really fun," said Sebastiaan. "It's an exciting sport that challenges me, and I enjoy the thrill of racing."
Throughout his journey, Sebastiaan has also received incredible support from his skating club, Foundation Amended Skating Kennemerland, located in the city of Haarlem. The club's trainers have been instrumental in his preparation for Turin 2025, providing additional sessions and valuable tips. Sebastiaan's skating club also helped raise funds for a special pair of custom-made skates that fit his unique size 54 feet. "I’ve been using these skates for two years now, and they’ve been fantastic," he said.
Preparing for Turin 2025
As Sebastiaan prepares for the Special Olympics World Winter Games Turin 2025, he continues to focus on his physical fitness and nutrition to ensure that he is in peak form for the competition.
His goal is clear: to represent the Netherlands with pride and hopefully secure a spot on the podium. "A medal is my wish."
Sebastiaan’s message to other athletes with disabilities is one of perseverance: “Not only dream, but do the best you can. After several attempts, it will be amazing to achieve your dreams!”
The short track speed skating competition will take place between 11 and 14 March at the Palasport Tazzoli in Torino, Italy.
The Special Olympics World Winter Games Turin 2025 will be held in Italy from 8-15 March, with over 1,500 athletes from more than 100 countries competing across eight sports: alpine skiing, cross-country skiing, dance sport, figure skating, floorball, short track speed skating, snowboard, snowshoeing.