The Special Olympics World Winter Games 2025 were held in Turin, Italy, from 8th March to 15th March. The event is a significant milestone in promoting inclusiveness and celebrating athletes who are differently abled in their intellectual capacities.
As always, the Games commenced with a grand ceremony at the Inalpi Arena in Turin, where the “Flame of Hope” was lit, symbolising the start of the event. Over 1500 participants and Unified partners from 100 countries took part in the Games. They all took the Special Olympics oath: “Let me win, but if I cannot win, let me be brave in the attempt.” The inauguration also featured musical performances by Italian singer Mr. Rain and Grammy-nominated Aloe Blacc.
The athletes competed in a total of eight disciplines, being: Alpine Skiing, Cross-Country Skiing, DanceSport, Figure Skating, Floorball, Short Track Speed Skating, Snowboarding, and Snowshoeing. The competitions were held across multiple venues in and around Turin, including Sestriere, Bardonecchia, and Pragelato.
The closing ceremony celebrated the athletes’ achievements, and the spirit of unity fostered throughout the Games. The Games concluded successfully, leaving a memorable impact on participants and spectators alike.
India, the United States, Austria, Canada, and Finland gave outstanding performances at the event.
At the Special Olympics, India achieved remarkable success, bagging a total of 33 medals: 8 gold, 18 silver, and 7 bronze. The contingent was comprised of 30 competitors and 19 support staff members. Majority of these medals were earned in Snowshoeing and Alpine Skiing, with each discipline securing 10 medals. Snowboarding accounted for six medals, while Short Track Speed Skating, Cross Country Skiing, and Floorball added four, two, and one medal, respectively. India’s impressive performance underscores the athletes’ dedication and the robust support from their coaches, families, and the Special Olympics Bharat community.
Prime Minister Narendra Modi met the Indian team of athletes at the Parliament and congratulated them for their perseverance and success.
“I am immensely proud of our athletes who have brought glory to the nation at the Special Olympics World Winter Games held in Turin, Italy! Our incredible contingent has brought home 33 medals. Met the contingent in Parliament and congratulated them for their accomplishments,” PM Modi posted on X.
The Ministry of Youth Affairs and Sports has announced an increase in cash prizes for the winners in this regard. Gold medallists will receive a cash prize of Rs. 20 lakhs, silver medallists will receive Rs. 14 lakhs, followed by bronze medallists winning Rs. 8 lakhs. Special Olympics Bharat hosted a grand welcome ceremony at the Major Dhyan Chand National Stadium to honor their achievements.
This success at the World Winter Games underscores India’s growing investment and focus on the Special Olympics movement, fostering an inclusive culture and encouraging people with intellectual disabilities to pursue sports at the highest level.
For India, the 2025 World Winter Games were a monumental step forward, not just in terms of medals but also in terms of global representation, awareness, and inclusivity. The athletes demonstrated exceptional courage and skill, making their nation proud on the global stage.
