Strength of Kindness: Welcoming Champions at the Turin Winter Games Opening Ceremony

The theme of “the Strength of Kindness” set the tone for the Opening Ceremony of the Special Olympics World Winter Games Turin 2025. This event marked the official start of the Games, celebrating not only the physical strength and dedication required to compete at the World Games, but also the quiet strength behind the transformative power of inclusion that Special Olympics athletes embody every day.

Notable celebrities came out to honor the real stars of the Games—the athletes. Grammy-nominated singer Aloe Blacc got the crowd on their feet with a performance of his Wake Me Up, The Man, I Need a Dollar, One Good Thing, and Don’t Go Alone. Italian singer and rapper Mr. Rain saluted the athletes which his song Supereroi.

Known for their live events and immersive shows, Balich Wonder Studio was the mastermind behind the spectacular kickoff event. With a focus on inclusion, athletes were at the forefront of every moment of the festivities.

In the vibrant atmosphere of Inalpi Arena, athletes and performers with and without intellectual disabilities took center stage, participating in the marching band, choir, and dance performances, lighting up the evening with their talents.

The Parade of Athletes, always a highlight of the Opening Ceremony, kicked off the night with palpable excitement. 1,500 athletes and Unified partners (teammates without intellectual disabilities) from 100 nations proudly marched into the arena behind their country’s billboard.

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Delegations entering Inalpi Arena in the Parade of Athletes for the Opening Ceremony of the Special Olympics World Winter Games Turin 2025.

Photo by Diego Barbieri diebarbieri@liber

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Delegations entering Inalpi Arena in the Parade of Athletes for the Opening Ceremony of the Special Olympics World Winter Games Turin 2025.

Photo by Simone Castrovillari

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Delegations entering Inalpi Arena in the Parade of Athletes for the Opening Ceremony of the Special Olympics World Winter Games Turin 2025.

Photo by Simone Castrovillari

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Delegations entering Inalpi Arena in the Parade of Athletes for the Opening Ceremony of the Special Olympics World Winter Games Turin 2025.

Photo by Alberto Gandolfo

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Delegations entering Inalpi Arena in the Parade of Athletes for the Opening Ceremony of the Special Olympics World Winter Games Turin 2025.

Photo by Simone Castrovillari

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Delegations entering Inalpi Arena in the Parade of Athletes for the Opening Ceremony of the Special Olympics World Winter Games Turin 2025.

Photo by Simone Castrovillari

Representing athletes globally, the 9 appointed Sargent Shriver Global Messengers (SSGMs) took to the stage alongside Special Olympics Board Chairman Dr. Tim Shriver while he spoke to the crowd, “These athletes want to change your life and make you more joyful, tougher, and more brave than you ever imagined. Let them rub off on you! They will not fail.” Special Olympics Europe Eurasia SSGM Gilmour Borg delivered an inspiring speech that resonated with the audience saying, “We will not leave these competitions just as athletes, but as champions ready for the next challenge—to show everyone outside of Special Olympics that they should believe in us too.

Photo by Reese Bland

The spotlight then returned to athletes as they commenced the official protocols to open the Games. The Special Olympics flag was carried in by Luca De Pierie, snowboarder from Special Olympics Italy; Meena Almazrouei, snowboarder from Special Olympics United Arab Emirates; Shirnel Swarts, speed skater from Special Olympics South Africa; and Yueming Dong, cross country skiier from Special Olympics China.

Next, the Athlete, Coaches, and Officials oaths were recited by Su-Ann Megan Tang (Special Olympics Singapore), Ron Struch (Special Olympics Canada) and Jahna Ullrich (Special Olympics Netherlands), respectively.

After traveling from Greece, being blessed by the Vatican, and making its way to Turin, the Flame of Hope was carried into the arena by athletes and Unified partners from each of Special Olympics’ seven regions:

• Victor Nthambiri Lijembe, Floorball player, Special Olympics Kenya
• Hsu Hsiu-Chuan, Figure Skater, Special Olympics Chinese Taipei
• William Smith and Jessie Espinet, Floorball, Unified pair, Special Olympics USA
• Shivanjali, Alpine Skier, Special Olympics Bharat (India)
• Mahmood Mohsen, Snowshoer, Special Olympics Bahrain
• Tatiana Aranda, Floorball player, Special Olympics Uruguay
• Rinaldo Burgener, Cross-Country Skier, Special Olympics Switzerland
• Elisa Parutto, Dancer, Special Olympics Italy

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It was a night brimming with fanfare and joy, where athletes from around the world gathered in Turin for the Special Olympics World Winter Games 2025. They showcased the true power of “The Strength of Kindness,” leaving an indelible mark on all who witnessed their incredible spirit and resilience.