The Special Olympics Winter World Games 2025 commenced with an extraordinary Opening Ceremony on 8 March at the Inalpi Arena in Turin, Italy. This momentous occasion brought together athletes, dignitaries, and global sports leaders in a powerful display of unity, inclusion, and sporting excellence. Among the esteemed guests were representatives from the Alliance of Independent Recognized Members of Sport (AIMS) and United Through Sports (UTS), reaffirming their commitment to fostering inclusivity through sport.
A key highlight of the evening was the Parade of Athletes, where 1,500 athletes and Unified partners from 100 nations proudly entered the arena. The Special Olympics flag was carried by athletes representing Italy, the UAE, South Africa, and China, while representatives from the seven Special Olympics regions presented the iconic Flame of Hope, officially marking the beginning of the Games.
Photo by Special Olympics
AIMS and UTS President Stephan Fox, who also serves as the Secretary General of IFMA, participated in the Parade of Athletes, walking with teams that symbolise the unifying power of sport. Stephan Fox marched with Team Malaysia, reflecting the strong connection to the upcoming UTS World Summit in Kuala Lumpur this October. Julia Govinden, UTS CEO, joined Team Egypt, underlining the nation’s significant presence in the Special Olympics movement and its steadfast commitment to inclusivity. Egypt is set to host multiple international sporting events this year, further solidifying its position as a key player in global sports.
The International Federation of Muaythai Associations (IFMA) was one of the founding members of AIMS. Although IFMA has since graduated from AIMS into the Association of IOC Recognised International Sports Federations (ARISF) following its recognition by the International Olympic Committee (IOC), it remains an associate and supporting member of AIMS, continuing its collaboration to promote inclusivity and integrity in sport.
The Opening Ceremony was a captivating blend of entertainment, emotion, and advocacy for inclusion. The theme of the night, “The Strength of Kindness,” highlighted the transformative power of acceptance and compassion. Athletes were at the heart of the celebration, embodying not only sporting excellence but also the spirit of the Special Olympics movement and the #InclusionRevolution.
The ceremony featured outstanding performances, including Grammy-nominated artist Aloe Blacc, who enthralled the audience with his hits, and Italian singer and rapper Mr. Rain, who performed Supereroi in tribute to the athletes. Unified performances by athletes and entertainers, both with and without intellectual disabilities, created a moving and inspiring spectacle, reinforcing the message of inclusion.
During his address, Special Olympics International Chairman of the Board Timothy Shriver delivered a powerful call to action: “At these Games, we don’t ask for pity for our athletes; we ask for a change of heart from the world, coast to coast, north to south, and east to west. We ask for a change of mind, a change of practice, a change of employment, sports, education, early childhood, community living. We ask you to change your life, and I promise you, if you let these athletes rub off on you, your life will never be the same.”
With the Games now in full swing, the host cities of Turin, Sestriere, Bardonecchia, and Pragelato are set to welcome inclusive competitions across eight winter sports: Alpine Skiing, Cross-Country Skiing, Dancesport, Figure Skating, Floorball, Short Track Speed Skating, Snowboarding, and Snowshoeing. These Games mark a historic milestone as the first Special Olympics Winter World Games ever held in Italy.
Reflecting on the event, AIMS and UTS President and IFMA Secretary General Stephan Fox shared his admiration: “It was a breathtaking opening ceremony with a message of strength through kindness, celebrating inclusion, bravery, and unity. Global Messenger Gilmour Borg delivered an inspiring message of hope and determination. The music, vibrant colours, and, above all, the smiles and pride of over 1,500 athletes entering the arena made for an unforgettable night. Ci vediamo a Torino!”
In addition to participating in the Opening Ceremony, Stephan Fox had the honour of presenting at the Special Olympics Conference, where he highlighted IFMA’s ongoing development strategies towards fully inclusive disciplines. His presentation, Promoting Inclusivity and Empowerment: Muaythai for Special Olympics, outlined IFMA’s commitment to ensuring that Muaythai is accessible to all, with structured programmes designed for athletes of all abilities. The initiative aligns with IFMA’s core values of respect, honour, tradition, excellence, and fair play, ensuring that individuals with intellectual and developmental disabilities have equal opportunities to engage in and benefit from the sport. The presentation reinforced IFMA’s longstanding collaboration with Special Olympics and the organisation’s dedication to further integrating inclusive Muaythai competitions into major sporting events worldwide.
IFMA, AIMS and UTS extend their deepest gratitude to Special Olympics for creating an unforgettable experience and for leading the way in uniting the world through sport. As proud partners of the Special Olympics movement, AIMS and UTS continue to champion the #InclusionRevolution, advocating for a world where every individual, regardless of ability, is given the opportunity to thrive.
For those who missed this remarkable event, you can watch the full Opening Ceremony here: Watch Now.
