World Winter Games
Black History Month – Highlighting Venisha Bowler’s Incredible Work on Inclusive Sport
This February, Special Olympics is celebrating Black History Month by highlighting Venisha Bowler, Director of Sport Competition Management, an instrumental part of the organization for more than three decades.
3 Min Read
Leaving Low Expectations Behind: Meet Shirnel
Shirnel Swarts is a bright light wherever she shines—and she’s been shining a lot lately. A talented athlete, Shirnel is excited to be training for her second Special Olympics World Winter Games!
1 Min Read
Sports Excellence as Tradition: Gonzalo Gets Ready for Turin
Gonzalo Escobar Wernli grew up with a love for winter sports—and a talent for them, too. And why wouldn’t he? He enjoyed early instruction from his grandfather, Claudio Wernli, who was a competitive skier in the 1964 Winter Olympics in Austria, among other events.
1 Min Read
Floorball Ingenuity: How Namibia Improvised On and Off the Court
Through creativity, partnership, and improvised equipment, Namibia’s floorball team has found a curious path to not only play the sport, but to excel and reach the world stage in Turin for the 2025 World Winter Games.
2 Min Read
What Makes a Leader? A Senegalese Athlete’s Discovery
Gerard Diedhiou of Special Olympics Senegal learned step by step over more than a decade what it takes to not only find his own voice, but to empower others in his community. From harsh beginnings, Gerard has learned how to connect with others, growing into a role model on and off the field.
3 Min Read
Special Olympics and Lions Clubs International Foundation Unite to Provide Photo Service During World Winter Games Turin 2025
Experienced team of photographers to capture high-quality photos of all delegations from Africa, Europe Eurasia, and Latin America
5 Min Read
Javier Trejo: Speed, Passion, and the Road to Turin 2025
Spanish alpine skier preparing to take to the slopes for a sixth World Winter Games
3 Min Read
World Winter Games Turin 2025 International Media Coverage Hub
As the Special Olympics World Winter Games near, media networks around the world are buzzing about the exciting winter sport spectacle taking place 8 – 15 March in Turin, Italy. Check out some of the coverage below:
11 Min Read
Sebastiaan Van Luijn: From Childhood Bullying to Competing at Turin 2025
Sebastiaan’s journey shows the power of perseverance and community support.
3 Min Read
Skiing "Is My Favorite Exercise!"—Alexandrea Trains for World Winter Games
Alexandrea Rutledge has been working out "a lot" ahead of Special Olympics World Winter Games Turin 2025. She's been a Special Olympics athlete for more than 12 years, and this will be her first international competition.
1 Min Read