Special Olympics World Winter Games 2025 starts with star-studded opening ceremony

The Special Olympics World Winter Games 2025 will see 1,500 athletes from 102 countries compete in 8 sports over 15 days.

The Special Olympics World Winter Games 2025 began with an enthralling opening ceremony on March 8 in Turin, Italy. Based on the theme ‘the Strength of Kindness’, the ceremony featured various cultural and musical performances, followed by the customary march of athletes and coaches. 

India’s 49-member contingent, comprising 30 athletes and 19 support staff members, also attended the opening ceremony, with the Flame of Hope being led by Special Olympics Bharat athlete Shivanjali. The athletes engaged in the ceremony with great fervor and were seen walking the parade, with the tricolor in their hands, while enjoying the tunes that played in the background. 

The opening ceremony also featured performances from various notable stars, who gathered to honour the dedication and hard work of the athletes. Grammy-nominated singer Aloe Blacc sang various hits, jolting the crowd with energy, while the Italian singer and rapper Mr. Rain gave a mesmerising performance, singing his famous song Supereroi.

Speaking about the opening ceremony, Dr. Mallika Nadda, President of Special Olympics Bharat,  said, “Turin hosted a wonderful opening ceremony for the athletes ready to participate in the Special Olympics World Winter Games. I would like to thank Ms. Vani Rao, India’s ambassador to Italy, for receiving and welcoming our athletes to the country and making them feel at home. It was great to see our athletes walking in the parade with the national flag and enjoying their arrival on the world stage. Looking forward to witnessing their spirited performances in the tournament and making the country even more proud.” 

In this tournament, about 1500 athletes from 102 countries will participate in 8 sports for 15 days. Indian athletes will participate in 6 sporting disciplines—Alpine Skiing, Cross-Country Skiing, Floorball, Short Speed Skating, Snowboarding, and Snowshoeing—which will be played across four venues.

Speed skating and floorball will be held in Turin, while snowshoeing and alpine skiing will be organized in Sestriere. On the other hand, snowboarding and cross-country skiing will be held in Bardonecchia and Pragelato, respectively.

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