The sun is shining, the towering mountains frame the horizon, and there’s a sense of excitement in the air. In the crowd, family, friends, and fans cheer loudly because Jeff Greene has arrived at the 2025 Special Olympics World Winter Games.
Jeff's journey didn’t start on a podium or with accolades. From the earliest days of his life, the path ahead seemed uncertain. At just six weeks old, Jeff was diagnosed with Down syndrome. His parents, Nancy and Scott Greene, were told by a pediatrician to “not bond with him” and that Jeff would “never read or write.” But from the start, Jeff was smiling, making noises, and showing a spark that no prediction could diminish. Nancy and Scott were determined to give him every opportunity possible.
Growing up, Jeff’s confidence and independence were nurtured by the constant love of his parents. “Jeff has really come out of his shell,” said Kristi Kraft, President/CEO, Special Olympics Idaho, Special Olympics Idaho President/CEO. “Given a platform, people perform to expectation and people with intellectual disabilities are no different.”
And that platform was given to Jeff by his parents. “Jeff wouldn’t be where he is if it weren’t for Scott and Nancy,” Jeff Matney, a close family friend of the Greenes, said.
“Not every athlete is blessed with a supportive family, but Jeff certainly is,” said Tricia Spence, Local Program Coordinator for the Moscow Rebel Tigers Special Olympics Team. “If I said Jeff was a dream athlete, they’re dream parents.”
That dream team has been by Jeff’s side in every endeavor, whether it’s everyday life or extraordinary athletic achievement. Jeff and his father share a particularly special bond. They’ve played golf together for years, but their partnership extends to competition as well. At the USA Games 2014, father and son competed side by side as Unified partners, and together, they earned gold.
“We do everything together,” Scott said. “We’re best of friends.”
“I’m blessed. My mom and dad are very proud of me,” said Jeff. “I love my dad because he’s my best friend.”
Jeff’s determination, talent, and hard work culminated in his World Winter Games 2025 performance in, Sestriere, Italy. He raced through his 50-meter snowshoeing event and earned a bronze medal. The moment was unforgettable, not just for Jeff, but for the community that has supported him from the beginning. Fans, friends, and family even traveled internationally to cheer him on, showing up in Sestriere to celebrate his achievement in person.
Nancy reflects on the experience, “All the people who love Jeff, they rallied around him. It was incredible to see the support and joy that surrounded him. There are so many Jeffs out there and they just need the chance to shine. Don’t let limitations define them.”
