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Turin, Italy: The Motor Activities Training Program (MATP) is a transformative and valuable initiative by The Special Olympics designed to provide individuals with severe and profound intellectual disabilities the opportunity to engage in physical activity, develop motor skills, and participate in a supportive, non-competitive sport environment. MATP was created for athletes who may not be able to compete in traditional Special Olympics sport events but deserve the chance to experience the benefits of sport, physical fitness, social connection, and personal growth. This wonderful program is headed by Special Olympics International’s Senior Manager Motor Activity Training Program (MATP), Dr. Niamh Mourton who …
UTS Works Towards Youth Safeguarding: Combating Human Trafficking in Sport Human trafficking remains one of the most pressing global issues, with the sports sector increasingly exploited for illicit activities. The global sports industry, valued between $471 billion and $1.4 trillion annually, presents both opportunities and vulnerabilities. Young athletes, particularly from the Global South, are often targeted by traffickers who manipulate their aspirations and circumstances for exploitation. Ensuring the safety of young athletes requires concrete action and collaboration across the international sports community. United Through Sports (UTS) has long prioritized and been at the forefront of this effort, working alongside leading …
The Special Olympics World Winter Games 2025 in Turin brought together athletes, families, and supporters from across the globe, celebrating the #InclusionRevolution. United Through Sports (UTS) President Stephan Fox and CEO Julia Govinden were on-site as honored guests, and we asked them to share their personal highlights, favorite moments, and insights from the event. What Were Your Personal Highlights? Julia: “I would start by saying that the level of care given to athletes beyond their competition is unmatched in the international sports community. Seeing the team from Special Olympics and the local organizing committee come together to deliver an event …
Turin, Italy – The Special Olympics World Winter Games 2025 in Turin came to a close, marking yet another remarkable milestone in the world of sport and inclusion. The Games brought together thousands of athletes from over 100 nations, competing in a variety of winter sports, each embodying the spirit of inclusion and showing true bravery in the attempt. Special Olympics continues to set itself apart with initiatives that go beyond the playing field. Among them, the groundbreaking Healthy Athletes Program, which has provided over 2 million free health screenings to athletes with intellectual and developmental disabilities (IDD) since its …
The Special Olympics Winter World Games 2025 officially kicked off with a breathtaking Opening Ceremony on Saturday, 8 March, at the Inalpi Arena in Turin, Italy. United Through Sports (UTS) was honored to be on the ground as honored guests, witnessing an unforgettable night of inclusion, sports, and performances. The Parade of Athletes was a sight to behold, with 1,500 athletes and Unified partners from 100 nations proudly marching into the arena. The Special Olympics flag was carried in by athletes from Italy, the UAE, South Africa, and China, while representatives from each of Special Olympics’ seven regions brought in …
