Andrea Tomasoni, a Dancing Soul

"I have been dancing for 12 years, and I am going to the Special Olympics World Games," says Andrea Tomasoni. "Dancing is like talking to my soul, to the deepest part of me. I let myself be carried away by emotions, just like when I performed with Stefano on Tu si que vales. Sports have taught me a lot, especially to be proud of myself, to improve, and to be independent. It’s the company, the togetherness, that gives me strength. That’s the beauty of sports—it highlights our diversity because we are all human. We can all dream, and my dream is to one day participate in Ballando con le Stelle. I want to make it happen this time too".

With all her strength, Andrea is ready to dance her way through the world. At 28 years old, the girl who was born in Chiuduno (Bergamo) and athlete of the Rosy Dance will be one of the sport dance’s star at the 2025 Special Olympics Winter World Games in Turin. Her story is one of music and resilience, discipline and defiance, precise steps, and boundless generosity.

"I already had two children before Andrea arrived," recounts her father, Antonio. "But I truly felt as a father with her. Her sensitivity and determination transformed my fears into hopes, and everything I once saw as a disadvantage turned into a resource that continues to amaze us".

"When Andrea was born," recalls her mother, Luisa, "there was a sense of discouragement—not about our role as parents but about the challenges she would face. For us, she was, and still is, a gift. We saw her cling to the sides of her playpen, fighting against hypotonia to stand up. It was clear she would never give up facing difficulties. Her childhood flew by, filled with both hard times and successes. At first, we were supported by the local health service (ASL) and a group of parents of children with Down syndrome, led by a child neuropsychiatrist, a speech therapist, and a psychotherapist. From this positive experience, the mutual support group found the association AIPD Bergamo in 2004. Andrea participated in many activities and training programs: pre-adolescence groups, autonomy workshops, emotional development programs, and job training courses."

"In kindergarten," Andrea’s parents continue, "they wouldn’t allow her to attend without the presence of her educational assistant. By elementary school, she was asking us to take away her extra chromosome—she wanted to be like the others and felt different. In middle school, during a gymnastics class’ volleyball game, her peers excluded her because she wasn’t at their level. In high school, she received an award for her excellent grades but was later told she didn’t qualify for that award due to following a differentiated curriculum. These were bitter moments that made us realize how much parents must support each other when institutions and society fall short. Thankfully, the situation has improved over time".

"Andrea met Stefano during one of AIPD’s programs, and they immediately liked each other. As parents, we got to know each other too, and since both shared a passion for dance, we encouraged them to attend Rosy Dance in Bergamo. In July 2012, they participated in their first competitions at the Italian Sports Dance Championships in Rimini and brought home their first medals. Since those early days, Andrea has made significant progress, earning major achievements like becoming the European champion in bachata and competing in international circuits like WIDA in Bratislava”.

"Two years ago, in Bardonecchia during the Winter Games, sports dance was introduced to Special Olympics. Andrea had already participated in volleyball at the National Summer Games in Turin but left it behind to focus on dance. When Andrea travels for events, we encourage her to go alone because she only needs one adult as a point of reference to feel confident. We see how happy this independence makes her feel. Special Olympics is a wonderful opportunity for her to have real-life experiences. It’s vital that Andrea lives these opportunities fully, embracing the values of sports—learning to accept defeat and celebrating others’ victories".

"Andrea is involved in many community activities, which are stimulating but not very enriching from a professional standpoint. Before COVID-19, she worked as a bartender and loved it, but the pandemic interrupted that experience, and we hope she can come back to it. Unfortunately, finding a job that truly values and gratifies her remains a struggle. No more unpaid internships. To parents who have just learned their child has an intellectual disability, we say that the beginning is tough. But once you accept the situation, life smiles again. The early years, if there are no additional health issues, are like those of any other child, giving you time to prepare for battles in the school system, where presence is essential to ensure proper opportunities for learning and socialization".

"We were waiting in the dance school’s lobby when we heard cheers and applause from the dance floor. Suddenly, the door opened, and Andrea came running out, tears of joy in her eyes. She hugged her mother and exclaimed, 'We did it! We’re going to the World Games in Turin!' It was a beautiful and intense moment—a great accomplishment for Andrea, who now has this incredible opportunity ahead, and for us as a family, who will proudly support her".

Marianna Cadei, head of dance for Special Olympics Italy and Andrea’s coach at Rosy Dance, reflects on Andrea’s journey.

"We are both so excited about this opportunity," she says. "Andrea has come a long way. I remember her as a little girl, full of insecurities, feeling unaccepted and inadequate. Now she knows what she wants and is outgoing. Her transformation is tied to her character, the support she has received, and the satisfaction of her sports achievements over the years. She has been strong and earned this incredible milestone. At Bardonecchia, alongside her best friend Stefano, she will shine".