As the athletes of Special Olympics prepare for the World Winter Games Turin 2025, high profile figures from across Europe send their best wishes for a successful, joyful and fearless World Winter Games!
David Evangelista, President and Managing Director Special Olympics Europe Eurasia
“On behalf of all of us at Special Olympics Europe Eurasia, I wish to extend our most sincere best wishes to all of the athletes across the region competing in our World Winter Games. We look forward to cheering you on in the beautiful country of Italia!
We know how hard you’ve worked to prepare for your competition. We know how hard your families have worked to get you prepared for the world stage. We know how much dedication and commitment that your coaches have demonstrated: Weeks, months, even years, of ensuring that you are prepared to represent the very best of your countries, the very best of your communities, the very best of yourselves in Torino.
In a world that is so divided, in a world that is so fractured- you- the athletes of Special Olympics across Europe- stand as one of our strongest, most vibrant beacons of hope for a new day. You represent grit, courage, determination, fearlessness, and most of all, human connection.
I take this opportunity to thank the host country of Italia for giving us the opportunity to bring such a remarkable event to your country. I thank the city of Torino. I thank all of the volunteers that have worked so hard to get ready for this event, the Local Organising Committee that has been so dedicated to the vibrant and growing Special Olympics Italia programme. Grazie, for allowing us the chance to highlight your work and to show the world how inclusive Italy really is.
Most of all, thank you to the athletes. Thank you for motivating us to keep up the fight for inclusion. Thank you for motivating us to remember that there’s no such thing as us and them, it’s just us. And thank you very much again for being the exceptional examples that we cannot wait to cheer on in just a few weeks. Ci vediamo a Torino!”
Dimitrije Lazarovski, Director for Development Programmes at FIS (International Ski and Snowboard Federation)
“For the upcoming Special Olympics World Winter Games Turin 2025, I would like to wish best of luck for all athletes. Competing at World Winter Games in Turin is one of the important steps for the athlete’s development to their excellence. FIS [the International Ski and Snowboard Federation] is looking forward receiving results from the events and celebrating the success of the winners. Good luck.”
Margaret Turley, Special Olympics Ireland Athlete Leader and Special Olympics Sargent Shriver Global Messenger
“Hello Everyone! I just wanted to wish all of the athletes who are going to the Special Olympics World Winter games in Italy, a massive well done on getting selected! All of your hard work in training has paid off. The most important thing to know is that no matter what the results are at the end of your competition everyone is very, proud of you and, most importantly, make some amazing memories, new friends and have fun!”
John Liljelund, Secretary General International Floorball Federation (IFF)
“For every athlete, the preparation for a major event is a huge process. You, the athletes of the Special Olympics World Winter Games 2025 in Turin, Italy, have made the journey and now it is time to enjoy and cherish the atmosphere of the games and the host city. It is my most sincere pleasure to wish all of the athletes of the Games in Turin the best of luck and a truly wonderful experience both in and outside of the competitions.”
Federico Correzzola, Special Olympics Italy Athlete Leader and Sargent Shriver Global Messenger
“It is with pride that I wish you to face the Special Olympics World Winter Games Turin 2025 with confidence in your abilities. And remember, it doesn’t matter the result but the effort you put into achieving it!”
Katharina Rauch, General Secretary, Austrian Figure Skating Federation - Skate Austria and International Skating Union (ISU) Judge and international Technical Controller Single and Pair Skating
“To all the incredible athletes – and especially the figure skaters – competing at the Special Olympics World Winter Games 2025 in Italy, I want to extend my heartfelt congratulations for their nomination and best wishes!
Your dedication, hard work, and passion for the sport inspire us all. As you lace up your skates and step onto the ice, know that you are already champions in the eyes of everyone who has witnessed your commitment and spirit.
We are rooting for each of you as you bring your best to the rink, embracing the joy of competition and the camaraderie that comes with being part of such a powerful community.
Best of luck, and remember, the journey itself is as beautiful as the performance you deliver!”
Gilmour Borg, Special Olympics Malta Athlete Leader, Sargent Shriver Global Messenger and elected representative in Malta
“My friends remember you are not alone. You are not just athletes, you are champions.
Your hard work, dedication and spirit sends a message of Inspiration to the world.
Celebrate this moment. You have already won. Good luck.”
