Please ensure Javascript is enabled for purposes of website accessibility
Find Special Olympics Near Me
We are helping to make the world a better, healthier and more joyful place—one athlete, one volunteer, one family member at a time.
Your Program
Based on your location, your local program is %location%.
Your location could not be automatically determined. Choose a program below:
Your Special Olympics Local Program:
Looking for a different local program? Choose a program from the list below:
Athletes

“At the End of the Race, he Wants to Keep Going!”: Slovenia’s Uroš Kotnik has a Need For Speed!

For Uroš Kotnik, a three-time gold-medalist, forward is the only way ahead. The 35-year-old cross country skier arrived in Pragelato, at the Special Olympics World Winter Games 2025, ready to set another milestone in his remarkable journey, and take home another gold.
A man smiles as he is photographed cross-country skiing. Behind him, a mountaintop and trees are visible
Slovenian Cross-Country Skier, Uroš Kotnik, races through the Games in Pragelato

“I came here for the medal! And to make Slovenia proud” proclaims Uroš with confidence and a tender smile. With a history of overcoming challenges through sport, and winning big, Uroš embodies the true energy of a Special Olympics athlete.

A Lifelong Passion for Sports

Uroš had a challenging start to life but life changed when his athletic journey began, upon joining the ‘Training, Work, and Care Center’ in Črna na Koroškem in 1996. During his early years at the centre, he showed a natural talent for physical activity—enjoying swimming, table tennis, hiking and cycling. His introduction to cross country skiing came through his teacher, Ivan, who encouraged him to try the sport. Cross country skiing is a winter sport in which participants propel themselves across snow-covered terrain using skis and poles.

A cross country skier, competing in a competition, is helped by a group of volunteers and his coach. A snowy mountain with trees in the background
Uroš’s skis are adjusted before he competes in Cross-Country Skiing during the Winter Games

“I train twice a week for cross country skiing, and I cycle three times a week on my own. I don’t like to stop. Go, go go,” laughs Uroš with one of his coaches, Tina Klemenc. “He does not stop running! We ran marathons together and at the end of the race he wanted to keep going. He’s incredible. He trains daily, and tracks every step. His commitment to sport is unparalleled.” In 2009, Uroš won gold and silver medals in the 3 km and 5 km races at the World Games in Idaho, USA. Uroš also took home two gold at Special Olympics Austria National Games 2024.

Uroš has trained relentlessly over the past year, improving his technique and endurance with the help of his many dedicated coaches. With his impressive track record, he’s earned his place among the top athletes of Special Olympics in Slovenia—and indeed across the world.

A man cross country skis in a competition. A mountainside and many trees are visible
Uroš doing what he does best, cross-country skiing

New Adventures

In life outside of sports, Uroš has also embraced significant personal growth. Due to Slovenia’s deinstitutionalisation process, Uroš moved out of the care center in 2023, and has since been living independently with his partner Irena and two friends in Slovenj Gradec, under the guidance of a guardian. Adjusting to a new environment required courage and adaptability, but Uroš has thrived. Speaking with pride of his daily responsibilities, Uroš works in an integrative employment program at a municipal company, where he enjoys keeping public spaces clean. During the week, Uroš also helps other individuals in the local Work Centre with various activities.

"I enjoy the independence, the space. We have a home together, we have fun," Uroš shares of his new home life. Having a support system and sharing in the joys of the Games is important to Uroš. He takes great care in how those around him are feeling, visiting his fellow teammates in Sestriere daily to catch up and share the day's joys and challenges.

A cross country ski athlete wears skis and smiles together with his coach as they pose on a snowy mountain together. The coach is lying on the snow below
Uroš posing on the slopes in Pragelato with Coach Tina Klemenc

While speaking to Uroš in Pragelato, he is always conscious of what his coach or others might need, offering a helping hand wherever he can. Back in Slovenia, his girlfriend and friends are cheering Uroš on. Here in Italy, his roommate and fellow cross country skier, Drago Jancic, who is also competing at the Games, is also rooting for him.

What’s Next?

At a first glance, Uroš might seem shy as he receives compliments from his coach and fans, but inside he is beaming. Echoing feelings similar to those of his fellow athletes at the Games, Uroš exclaimed, “I hope I can continue to make Slovenia proud. When we walked into the Inalpi Arena at Opening Ceremony on Saturday, I felt so proud to be with the whole team.”
On Friday 14 March, he did indeed continue to make Slovenia proud, competing in the final of the 5 k free technique race and completing the course with a time of 14:16.89.

When asked what’s next after the Winter Games, Uroš doesn’t miss a beat. He reveals with sheer confidence, “I want to compete in cycling. That’s my next challenge.” Watch out cyclists of Special Olympics, here comes Uroš!

Recommended Content

Snowboarder Marcel Schilling Wins Double Silver on the Slopes

Marcel Schilling, a charismatic 34-year-old snowboarder from Thurgau, Switzerland, has kicked off his Special Olympics World Winter Games 2025 experience in style, adding two silver medals—in Intermediate Giant Slalom and Intermediate Super G – to his growing collection.
4 Min Read

Team Estonia’s Helen Nääme Sails into DanceSport Finals!

Special Olympics Estonia athlete Helen Nääme kicked off the Games by leading her delegation in the Parade of Athletes at Opening Ceremony. On Tuesday, she sailed her way into the DanceSport finals! What next for Helen’s Games’ adventure?
3 Min Read

Igniting the Spirit: Athletes Share their Journeys to Turin 2025

As excitement builds, we will highlight eight phenomenal athletes who will represent their nations in Special Olympics World Winter Games Turin 2025. Their journeys of passion and dedication reflecting the transformative impact of sport.
3 Min Read