In a bold continuation of its mission to spotlight the extraordinary stories of its athletes, Special Olympics Europe Eurasia (SOEE) has officially launched the ‘Celebrate the Exceptional’ campaign ahead of the Special Olympics World Winter Games Turin 2025.
This campaign, supported by partners Toyota Motor Europe and UPS, builds on the success of its inaugural edition in the lead up to the Special Olympics World Games Berlin 2023.
Designed as a powerful visual and narrative initiative, the project will highlight the lives and achievements of eight athletes from eight SOEE countries, each competing in one of the eight sports featured in Turin 2025.
Through striking portraits, dynamic action photography, and captivating feature articles, ‘Celebrate the Exceptional’ aims to amplify the voices of Special Olympics athletes, fostering inclusion and awareness while rallying regional support for the upcoming Games.
“The ‘Celebrate the Exceptional’ campaign serves as a powerful tribute to the spirit and talent of our athletes. They consistently challenge themselves to achieve their best and push the boundaries of sporting excellence.”
“Through their example, they reshape societal perceptions towards people with intellectual disabilities and inspire transformative change across communities throughout the region.”
“By sharing their journeys, their stories, we aim to highlight their impact both on and off the field. We feel honoured to collaborate with FACTSTORY, part of the AFP Group, to bring their stories to life to audiences near and far.”
Audiovisual creative agency FACTSTORY, part of the AFP Group, has joined SOEE as the campaign’s photo production and distribution partner. Leveraging on its own extensive media network across eight selected countries and the broader region, FactStory will ensure the athletes’ narratives reach diverse audiences.
FACTSTORY Audiovisual Project Manager Rey Kinouani shared his excitement about the collaboration: “At FACTSTORY, we believe in the power of storytelling to inspire and connect people. Partnering with Special Olympics on the ‘Celebrate the Exceptional’ campaign aligns perfectly with our mission to showcase compelling, authentic stories.
“Through this project, we feel honoured to help bring visibility to these incredible athletes and their journeys, celebrating their triumphs both on and off the field.”
The campaign will spotlight athletes competing in alpine skiing, cross-country skiing, DanceSport, figure skating, floorball, short track speed skating, snowboarding, and snowshoeing.
Additionally, the campaign will offer an in-depth look at these eight sports, covering their rules, key moments, and the schedules and venues for Turin 2025. Beyond the competitions, it will feature engaging and informative content, including audiovisual materials that delve into the rich history of the World Games and the enduring legacy of Special Olympics. This comprehensive approach aims to educate, entertain, and inspire audiences worldwide.
Beyond its focus on individual athletes, ‘Celebrate the Exceptional’ aims to spark a broader conversation about inclusion and the transformative power of sport. By sharing personal stories that resonate deeply with audiences, the campaign seeks to break down barriers and promote greater understanding and acceptance of people with intellectual disabilities.
The Special Olympics World Winter Games Turin 2025 will take place from 8 – 15 March, with 1,500 athletes from over 100 countries showcasing their talents across eight sports.
