Special Olympics Europe Eurasia has announced the launch of the trailer for ‘Unified by Sports: The Special Olympics Journey,’ a feature documentary that captures the extraordinary stories of four athletes as they competed in the World Winter Games Turin 2025. Released in February, the trailer offers a first glimpse of the full 45-minute documentary, set to premiere later in 2026, marking one year since the landmark Games.
The film, supported by the European Union through the Erasmus+ programme, follows Italy’s cross-country skier Eros Zanotti, Romania’s snowshoer Anca Miron, Great Britain’s figure skater Stephanie Gott, and Switzerland’s snowboarder Marcel Schilling, providing an intimate look at their daily lives, training routines, and experiences competing on the global stage. Through their journeys, the documentary illustrates the transformative power of sport in terms of athletic achievement, as well as in fostering confidence and inclusion.
Eros is a strong believer in the transformational power of sport. “Sport is culture. It helps you discover yourself, your talent, overcome difficulties and fears.” He is passionate about mythology, history, and literature, including the Divine Comedy, and also loves music and dance. As a member of the “Si può Fare Band,” he performs alongside young people with disabilities and volunteers.
He added: “Being at the World Winter Games in my home country made me proud in a way I can’t fully put into words. Proud of my races, yes, but even more so of the friendships, the smiles, and the way everyone from all around the globe came together.”
At 41 years old, Anca is a multidimensional artist and athlete: she loves folk and modern dance, is an award-winning photographer, and excels in snowshoeing. She became widely known in Romania after appearing on the national television reality show ‘Down the Road. Adventure in 2019,’ and she has since been featured in ELLE Romania magazine. Anca discovered snowshoeing during a Special Olympics ski camp. Though it was challenging at first, her determination and hard work have turned it into a personal triumph.
Anca says: “Turin was pure magic. It was about being part of something that celebrates every part of who we are. Competing in snowshoeing, as well as sharing laughs, encouragement, and support with my teammates and family made those days unforgettable.”
Born with a congenital heart defect, Stephanie’s life was saved by Italian surgeon Dr. Marco Pozzi. They were reunited at Turin 2025 in a deeply emotional encounter. Despite facing bullying while growing up, the support of her family and her love for figure skating helped her gain confidence and a sense of freedom.
Stephanie reflects: “When I first laced up my skates as a teenager, I never imagined I’d be flying to Italy to compete on the world stage. Ice skating has taught me to trust my own strength, and every moment in Turin reminded me that resilience isn’t just about winning medals, it’s about celebrating how far you’ve come. For anyone who experiences challenging situations, please remember that you are not alone and there is always support and an opportunity to help you feel as free as a butterfly.”
Marcel began his Special Olympics journey 18 years ago alongside his coach, Armand, whose “learning by doing” approach helped Marcel build both skill and confidence. Before winning gold at the World Games in Schladming in 2017, Marcel spent months trying to master turning on the leading edge of his board. The breakthrough came thanks to a plush lion toy that Armand attached to Marcel’s front boot strap, a simple but effective reminder that finally helped him succeed after 160 days of trying. He went on to claim one gold and two silvers at Turin 2025.
Armand adds: “Marcel’s journey on a snowboard has been about heart as much as skill, from learning to turn after months of effort to standing on the podium in Turin. For him, snowboarding is freedom, and the World Games were a chance to show the world what he’s capable of when he follows his passion with dedication.”
David Evangelista, President & CEO of Special Olympics International, says:
“Special Olympics shows us that sport is about more than competition, it is about giving every athlete a place to belong, a voice to be heard, an opportunity to thrive.”
“This documentary highlights the courage and grit of our athletes as they face real challenges, and it reminds us that while progress has been made, so much work remains. Sport is central to that mission, breaking down barriers, and opening doors and minds alike. We are deeply grateful to the European Union for championing inclusion and helping make these opportunities for athletes with intellectual disabilities a reality across the continent.”
In addition to the documentary, Special Olympics Europe Eurasia is also releasing a children’s book series, featuring illustrated stories of each athlete’s journey. The books aim to teach young readers about empathy. Each book will be available in English and the athlete’s native language.
The documentary and book series form part of a broader ‘Unified by Sport’ campaign celebrating the impact of Special Olympics across Europe and the world. Audiences can watch the trailer online via Special Olympics Europe Eurasia’s digital channels and anticipate the full documentary premiere later this year.
The 2025 Special Olympics World Winter Games took place in Turin, Italy, between 8 – 15 March, with over 1,500 athletes from around 100 nations competing across eight sports: alpine skiing, cross-country skiing, dance sport, figure skating, floorball, short track speed skating and snowboard.
Funded by the European Union. Views and opinions expressed are however those of the author(s) only and do not necessarily reflect those of the European Union or the European Education and Culture Executive Agency (EACEA). Neither the European Union nor EACEA can be held responsible for them.
