by Karini Viranna
The Special Olympics Flame of Hope shines brightly as it continues to make its way to Turin, Italy—symbolising community, perseverance, and the power of sport as athletes from around the globe prepare to compete. The Special Olympics World Winter Games Turin 2025 will run from 8 to 15 March, 2025. This year’s message—“The Future is Here”—resonates deeply with athletes, coaches, and supporters, focusing on fostering a future where inclusion and community are at the forefront.
Meet the Athletes: Courage, Talent, and Perseverance
As excitement builds, we will highlight eight phenomenal athletes who will represent their nations in Turin. Their journeys of passion and dedication reflecting the transformative impact of sport.
Marcel Schilling (Switzerland): A Snowboarder Defying Limits
Marcel Schilling, 33, from Switzerland, has overcome significant challenges in mastering snowboarding. His coach, Armand Freysinger, guided him using a “learning by doing” approach, helping Marcel develop his skills and confidence. Armand’s method recognises that traditional teaching often needs to be adapted to meet the individual needs of athletes with intellectual disabilities.
With a gold medal at the World Games in Schladming in 2017, Marcel shares, “As a keen boarder, I’m looking forward to showing my best. I’m extremely excited about the World Games.”
Helen Nääme practicing her dancesport routine ahead of the Games
Helen Nääme (Estonia): Dancing with Grace and Determination
Helen Nääme, 37, from Estonia, is a determined DanceSport athlete, competing in the Games for the very first time. While Helen’s journey was challenging at first, coach Ele Järvis remarks, “Helen is doing really well, and many of her steps now come naturally. I encourage her to continue because she truly enjoys it.”
Training twice weekly, performing in front of large audiences has helped boost Helen’s confidence. This is an essential step, as together with her dancing partner Urmas, Helen performed at several different events over the past months to prepare for the Games.
Helen reflected, “I’m looking forward to meeting new people and being my best self, both on and off the stage in Turin.”
Uroš Kotnik after competing in cross-country skiing at the World Winter Games in 2017.
Uroš Kotnik (Slovenia): A Cross-Country Powerhouse
Uroš Kotnik from Slovenia is a cross country skier, and at 35 years old, has already won several gold medals—adding two more from the Schladming Winter Games in 2024. His intense training includes running, gym workouts, and skiing drills. He often cycles to Lake Velenje, maintaining a peak physique year-round.
Coach Tina Klemenc, admires his commitment, saying, “Uroš is incredibly determined. He asks to run extra kilometers, tracking every step. He is my ‘Forrest Gump’—he just keeps going.” Uroš’s goal in Turin: “To do my best and make my country proud.”
More Champions Set to Flourish
Alongside Marcel, Helen, and Uroš, we will also be following the journeys of:
- Zsombor Bohn (Hungary) – Short Track Speed Skating
- Lorraine Whelan (Ireland) – Alpine Skiing
- Diana Khomenko (Ukraine) – Floorball
- Gerhard Kirnbauer (Austria) – Snowshoeing
- Sitora Ergashova (Uzbekistan) – Figure Skating
They are set to compete and join 1,500 athletes and Unified partners from 100 nations.
Turin 2025: A Celebration of Competition and Passion
Host city, Turin, will stage world-class competitions across multiple locations:
- Turin: Floorball, Figure Skating, Short Track Speed Skating and Motor Activity Training Program(MATP)
- Sestriere: Alpine Skiing and Snowshoeing
- Bardonecchia: DanceSport, Snowboarding and Motor-Activity Training Program (MATP)
- Pragelato: Cross Country Skiing
The Games will begin with a spectacular opening ceremony on 8 March and conclude with an emotional farewell with the Closing Ceremony on 15 March.
A Future Fueled by Inclusion
Beyond the gold, silver and bronze, these athletes prove that different experiences are more than just a platform of inspiration—they are a story worth sharing, revealing the true spirit of sport.
While the collective symphony of languages, exchange of customs, and new encounters are set to enthrall the athletes, their coaches, and supporters, it’s pretty clear that a future where everyone has a chance to be their best selves through sport is on everyone’s mind. At the Special Olympics World Winter Games Turin 2025, the future is indeed here.
