Italy will host the 2025 Special Olympics World Winter Games in Turin, demonstrating the extraordinary power of sport to end marginalization and build inclusion and solidarity for people with intellectual and developmental disabilities (I/DD). This year, the shared message of the Games is “the future is here,” because, as Special Olympics Italy athlete Lorenzo Mancino reflected, “it gives us a glimpse of a welcoming future and because in 2025 we have the duty to do something significant to create a new culture of disability and make inroads into people’s hearts and minds; because disability is part of humanity and the beauty of differences that characterize each of us.”
Team USA is proud to send more than 160 members from 42 states to compete, and the delegation from New York will consist of one floorball team, two alpine skiers and three figure skaters.
Looking ahead to the event, Stacey Hengsterman, President and CEO of Special Olympics New York, shared, “It’s just thousands of people all there to support and celebrate the same mission and the athletes…When you find out what Special Olympics really is, and you come and you watch or you participate, we have you for life…You get how special it is. It’s not charity.”
Here, we will highlight some of the talented athletes going for gold. Let the games begin!
Ryan Chin, Figure Skating
Ryan Chin, a resident of Wappingers Falls, NY and member of the Dutchess Figure Skating Club, has dedicated the past 11 years of his life to honing his craft and inspiring those who share the ice with him. By the age of 15, he had already won seven gold medals in seven competition seasons.
“It’s a dream come true to represent the USA at the Special Olympics World Games in Turin,” said Chin. “Skating has taught me many valuable life skills and given me a place in the community where I feel at home. I’m proud to show what hard work and dedication can achieve.”
Now, at age 23, Chin is aiming to add another gold medal to his resume, while also hoping to see some Italian dances such as the Tarantella and put his Italian cooking skills to the test. “I can’t wait to meet other athletes from around the world, share this amazing experience with them, and try real Italian food! I’m ready to bring home a gold medal win for Team USA,” he said.
Chin’s goal in Italy is to not let others determine what he can and cannot accomplish. “It’s all up to you and your family to try your best to reach any goals you may have.” His qualification for the World Games reflects his determination, devotion, and support from his coaches.
“Ryan’s drive and love for figure skating has been an inspiration to everyone at the McCann Ice Arena,” said Heather O’Connor, one of Chin’s coaches. “We’re incredibly proud of his accomplishment and can’t wait to cheer him on as he takes on the world stage in Turin.”
Will Smith, Floorball
After watching hours of videos on YouTube to study the game of Floorball and training with his Unified Partner teammates, Will Smith is ready to learn about a new culture while giving 110% at the Winter Games. “I was very excited to find out we were selected,” he said.
Smith, 36, from Brewster, NY, has been competing in the Special Olympics for 27 years. His first time at the World Games was in Nagano, Japan 20 years ago. “I love being an athlete,” Smith shared. “Being a part of Special Olympics for so long reminds [me] that moments and memories that happen are bigger than the medals you earn.”
His passion to compete comes from not only being able to overcome a lot of negativity and self-doubt, but also knowing that his teammates are there for him even when he’s not having a good game. To Smith, it is an honor to represent Team USA and the New York contingency along with his teammates because, as he said, “Special Olympics has given me the confidence to find my voice and grow as an athlete and leader on and off the playing field, giving me the opportunity to compete at the highest level of competition and [we’re] very excited [to see] where our journey will take us!”
Andrew Stawicki, Floorball
20-year Special Olympics veteran Andrew Stawicki was shocked and needed to pinch himself to make sure he was really picked to compete in his third World Games. “My coaches and unified partners have gotten to be really close and I feel a sense of pride to represent my country for the third time. They helped me get here,” he said.
Stawicki, 34, from White Plains, NY has played softball and floorball during his time as an athlete and he keeps coming back because he is hungry for the experience. “I want to go to more World Games,” he said. “Beating teams and calling ourselves the best in New York and the world also sounds pretty good.” If they win, he promises to yell out “We did it and we won a medal! We can do anything!” In addition to being with his teammates, Stawicki is eager to go sightseeing and enjoy all the art Italy has to offer.
Liza Ambrosini, Skiing
When there’s a will, there’s a way for Liza Ambrosini. She knows she can win because she has been working hard to be healthy and get into shape. Leading up to the World Games, Ambrosini has been skiing and going to the gym three times a week, in addition to getting fitness tested every three months by her coach. The 38-year-old from Queensbury is one of two New York skiers going to this year’s World Games, and for that, she is proud.
Ambrosini has been competing with Special Olympics NY for about 13 years in regional games, state games, and two USA Games, and is going to be making her World Games debut. “I was shocked. My head was spinning,” Ambrosini said. “I [was] thinking ‘this is a really big honor to go to World Games. This is the highest honor to receive.’”
Speeding down the mountain is Ambrosini’s favorite part of skiing and she credits her competitive passion to both her parents and younger sister who are also fierce athletes. However, staying humble is also very important to Ambrosini. “My goal is to do well and win a gold medal, but if I can’t, to be brave in the attempt. In skiing you always need to look ahead of you and hope for the best,” she said. “This shows that people with I/DD can do anything if they have support and put their mind to it.”
Tune in to the Special Olympics from March 8 through March 15 on all of ESPN’s digital platforms and television networks, as well as on the Special Olympics YouTube channel.