26 World Winter Games Delegations Get a Boost from Charitable Album

Photo by Simone Castrovillari

On 8 March 2025, the Opening Ceremony of the Special Olympics World Winter Games Turin 2025 concluded with a spectacular display, officially kicking off the Games. The atmosphere was electric as 26 delegations, supported by grants from The Christmas Fund, arrived in Italy, their excitement palpable.

A Special Olympics Jamaica floorball athlete captured the spirit of the event perfectly, saying, “It’s a great feeling, to tell you the truth, it’s a great feeling.”

The delegation from Special Olympics Ukraine prepares to enter the Inalpi arena for the Parade of Athletes for the Opening Ceremony.

The Special Olympics Jamaica delegation heading the Opening Ceremony.

Special Olympics Kenya athlete Victor Nthambiri Lijembe carrying the torch during  the Opening Ceremony.

Special Olympics Pakistan athletes before the Opening Ceremony.

Photo by Rich Howe/Rich Howe

Special Olympics Estonia athletes pose with their ushers before the Opening Ceremony.

The Special Olympics Albania delegations enters the Inalpi arena during as part of the Parade of Athletes during the Opening Ceremony.

Photo by Alberto Gandolfo

The Special Olympics Mongolia delegations waves to the fans in the stands at Opening Ceremony.

Photo by Simone Castrovillari

Special Olympics, a global movement dedicated to athletes with intellectual disabilities, offers a wide range of sport activities free of charge. However, many national and local programs require financial assistance to ensure their athletes can participate at every level. This includes support for coaching training, competition participation, athlete leadership training, and more.

This is where The Christmas Fund steps in, providing crucial grants to bridge financial gaps. The fund, fueled by proceeds from the A Very Special Christmas (AVSC) album series—the most successful charitable recording project in history—ensures that no athlete is left behind.

The Opening Ceremony was just the beginning of what promises to be an inspiring and unforgettable event, showcasing the incredible talents and determination of athletes from around the world. Stay tuned for more updates and stories from the Special Olympics World Winter Games Turin 2025!

The 26 delegations that made the trip to Turin, Italy with help from The Christmas Fund are:

1. SO Albania
2. SO Armenia
3. SO Bangladesh
4. SO Croatia
5. SO Estonia
6. SO Kenya
7. SO Georgia
8. SO Indonesia
9. SO Jamaica
10. SO Kosovo
11. SO Kyrgyz Republic
12. SO Latvia
13. SO Lithuania
14. SO Moldova
15. SO Mongolia
16. SO Montenegro
17. SO Namibia
18. SO North Macedonia
19. SO Pakistan
20. SO Senegal
21. SO Serbia
22. SO Tajikistan
23. SO Trinidad and Tobago
24. SO Ukraine
25. SO Uzbekistan
26. SO Venezuela