On 8 March 2025, the Opening Ceremony of the Special Olympics World Winter Games Turin 2025 concluded with a spectacular display, officially kicking off the Games. The atmosphere was electric as 26 delegations, supported by grants from The Christmas Fund, arrived in Italy, their excitement palpable.
A Special Olympics Jamaica floorball athlete captured the spirit of the event perfectly, saying, “It’s a great feeling, to tell you the truth, it’s a great feeling.”
“It’s a great feeling, to tell you the truth, it’s a great feeling.”
Special Olympics, a global movement dedicated to athletes with intellectual disabilities, offers a wide range of sport activities free of charge. However, many national and local programs require financial assistance to ensure their athletes can participate at every level. This includes support for coaching training, competition participation, athlete leadership training, and more.
This is where The Christmas Fund steps in, providing crucial grants to bridge financial gaps. The fund, fueled by proceeds from the A Very Special Christmas (AVSC) album series—the most successful charitable recording project in history—ensures that no athlete is left behind.
The Opening Ceremony was just the beginning of what promises to be an inspiring and unforgettable event, showcasing the incredible talents and determination of athletes from around the world. Stay tuned for more updates and stories from the Special Olympics World Winter Games Turin 2025!
The 26 delegations that made the trip to Turin, Italy with help from The Christmas Fund are:
- SO Albania
- SO Armenia
- SO Bangladesh
- SO Croatia
- SO Estonia
- SO Kenya
- SO Georgia
- SO Indonesia
- SO Jamaica
- SO Kosovo
- SO Kyrgyz Republic
- SO Latvia
- SO Lithuania
- SO Moldova
- SO Mongolia
- SO Montenegro
- SO Namibia
- SO North Macedonia
- SO Pakistan
- SO Senegal
- SO Serbia
- SO Tajikistan
- SO Trinidad and Tobago
- SO Ukraine
- SO Uzbekistan
- SO Venezuela
