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 that was organized so quickly, and the support they have for each other, creates an incredible work environment that is nurturing, uplifting, and supportive. No matter the challenges faced, they worked together, and through all the successes, you could see the pride and joy in their eyes, with many watery eyes of pure emotion.”
Stephan: “For me, the MATP program is just outstanding. To see an organization in sport consciously place youth who are extremely challenged at the center and provide them with flexible, tailored opportunities to develop was really incredible. I’ve never seen anything like this before. Seeing the joy it brings to families and caregivers was truly touching. Another highlight would be the Healthy Athletes program, of course. When we talk about the level of care, this is unprecedented at any sports event I’ve ever attended. To see athletes receive extra support ahead of their competitions, especially those from lower socioeconomic backgrounds, so they can compete with greater comfort is just mind-blowing. I could go on and on, but I’ll stop there (laughs).”
Photo: Special Olympics
What Makes the Special Olympics Unique?
Stephan: “I would say that the Special Olympics events, and in this case, the Winter Games, are not just for the athletes but also for their networks, families, communities, caregivers, and we don’t see this anywhere else. The atmosphere that Special Olympics creates, whether on a national or international level, is truly profound. The team at Special Olympics International, led by people like Chairman of the Board Tim Shriver and CEO Mary Davis, genuinely care and feel deeply for the cause. They’re always on the ground, directly involved in every event, and they never miss a beat.”
Julia: “I love the fact that there’s always music and dancing, and to see everyone coming together, whether at the end of the opening ceremony, closing ceremony, or after a competition, is always heartwarming. There are always smiles, and even when an athlete struggles, the level of support from everyone is incredible. Everyone is cheering on each athlete and hoping for their best, and there’s no pressure to compete. There’s always this energy, joy, and support in the air. Everyone is cheering each other on, and in a sense, everyone is a winner because they’re achieving their personal best in that moment.”
Photo: Special Olympics Deutschland
What is the Impact of the Special Olympics on the Athletes?
Stephan: “There is so much talent in the Special Olympics, and seeing these athletes win medals and give their best means they walk away with their heads held high, returning home as champions. For their families, it brings a true sense of hope, knowing that there is something meaningful out there for their child or family member, and that the Special Olympics provides a place to call home. In this sense, the Special Olympics impacts not only the athletes but also their families, networks, and communities.
Julia: “For any athlete in Special Olympics, it provides an incredible sense of belonging, inclusion, recognition, and being heard. Often, when people have disabilities, it can make others uncomfortable in knowing how to communicate or even how to act, sometimes avoiding eye contact. But at the Special Olympics, everyone is on an equal platform. You really see it when you’re on the ground: the athletes’ joy, pride, and determination. As the Special Olympics saying goes, “Bravery in the attempt.”
How does the Special Olympics Approach Inclusion, and What Makes it Stand out in its Support of Athletes with Intellectual Disabilities?
Julia: Inclusion at the Special Olympics means tailoring support to each athlete, meeting them where they are across the spectrum of intellectual disabilities. It’s about being flexible and paying close attention to every detail so that each athlete feels supported and can perform at their best on any given day. For individuals with intellectual disabilities, each day can be vastly different, whether it’s dealing with emotional regulation, sensory sensitivities, lack of sleep, or troubling thoughts. These moments can shift quickly, and understanding these unique needs is crucial. SOI truly goes above and beyond to ensure that every athlete is supported as fully as possible, enabling them to perform to their potential.
Stephan: The Special Olympics adopts a comprehensive approach to Inclusion, and it is at the heart of what makes SOI so unique. In their events, inclusion extends to the families, networks, and communities around the athlete. It’s about making sure the family and primary caregivers feel welcomed and supported as well. The environment is carefully considered, from the lighting and sound in the venue to the music playing and the availability of sensory spaces where athletes can relax if they feel overwhelmed. I think this mindset is at the heart of what they do, and that makes it a special collaboration between them and UTS. We are very proud to have been invited to participate in and attend the Special Olympics Winter Games in Turin, Italy. This isn’t our first Games, and it certainly won’t be our last.
What does the Future Hold for UTS and its Collaboration with the Special Olympics?
Julia: We are incredibly proud of our collaboration with the Special Olympics, as we share a common vision and mission for an inclusive world where everyone has the chance to thrive. We are proud supporters of the Special Olympics, and as we move forward, we will continue to champion their vision and mission, ensuring that athletes and the broader intellectual disability community have as many opportunities as possible at every event we host.
Stephan: We’re not only excited but deeply committed to expanding our partnerships with the Special Olympics, both on a global and regional level. There are many inspiring examples, such as our recent initiatives in Senegal and Colombia, where we’ve left behind a legacy of heartwarming moments. These experiences have only strengthened our determination.
Stephan: This October, UTS will host its flagship event, the UTS World Festival, and this year, it will be held in Malaysia. We’re thrilled to collaborate closely with Special Olympics Asia-Pacific to implement the MATP program and to educate national federations about the importance of inclusion in sports, especially those already engaged with or interested in working with the Special Olympics. As the saying goes, “The strength of the team is each individual member. The strength of each member is the team.” I can do things you cannot, you can do things I cannot; together, we can achieve great things. Kudos to the Special Olympics for embodying this spirit!
