'Celebrate the Exceptional' campaign showcases Special Olympics athletes ahead of World Winter Games Turin 2025
Supported by Toyota Motor Europe and UPS, the campaign builds on the success of its first edition, which was introduced in the lead-up to he Special Olympics World Games Berlin 2023.
This initiative has used powerful storytelling and visuals to celebrate the achievements of Special Olympics athletes. Through striking portraits, dynamic action photography, and compelling feature articles, ‘Celebrate the Exceptional’ has amplified their voices and has generated excitement for the upcoming Games. Additionally, the campaign’s aim has been to foster greater regional support and awareness, ensuring that the accomplishments of these athletes receive the recognition they deserve.
David Evangelista, SOEE President and Managing, said: “The ‘Celebrate the Exceptional’ campaign serves as a powerful tribute to the spirt and talent of our athletes. They consistently challenge themselves to achieve their best and push the boundaries of sporting excellence.”
“Through their example, they reshape societal perceptions towards people with intellectual disabilities and inspire transformative change across communities throughout the region.”
“By sharing their journeys, their stories, we aim to highlight their impact both on and off the field. We feel honoured to collaborate with FACTSTORY, part of the AFP Group, to bring their stories to life to audiences near and far.”
Audiovisual creative agency FACTSTORY, part of the AFP Group, has joined SOEE as the campaign’s photo production and distribution partner. Leveraging on its own extensive media network across eight selected countries and the broader region, FactStory will ensure the athletes’ narratives reach diverse audiences.
FACTSTORY Audiovisual Project Manager Rey Kinouani shared his excitement about the collaboration: “At FACTSTORY, we believe in the power of storytelling to inspire and connect people. Partnering with Special Olympics on the ‘Celebrate the Exceptional’ campaign aligns perfectly with our mission to showcase compelling, authentic stories.
“Through this project, we feel honoured to help bring visibility to these incredible athletes and their journeys, celebrating their triumphs both on and off the field.”
The campaign has spotlighted athletes competing across alpine skiing, cross-country skiing, DanceSport, figure skating, floorball, short track speed skating, snowboarding, and snowshoeing.
Additionally, the campaign has offered an in-depth look at these eight sports, covering their rules, key moments, and the schedules and venues for Turin 2025. Beyond the competitions, it has featured engaging and informative content, including audiovisual materials that delve into the rich history of the World Games and the enduring legacy of Special Olympics. This comprehensive approach aims to educate, entertain, and inspire audiences worldwide.
The Special Olympics World Winter Games Turin 2025 will take place from 8-15 March, with 1,500 athletes from over 100 countries showcasing their talents across eight sports.
The eight featured athletes are:
JAVIER TREJO, ALPINE SKIING, SPAIN
For Special Olympics Spain’s Javier Trejo, alpine skiing is all about speed. "I loved watching it on TV, how fast they went, and I wanted to be like them," he said with a smile.
Now, as he prepares to compete at the Special Olympics World Winter Games Turin 2025, his lifelong passion for the slopes is stronger than ever. Trejo, who is from Madrid, thrives in the thrill of racing down the mountain, a feeling he describes simply: "I'm very happy when I ski, and I love doing it with friends."
FANÉLIE CROIZAT, CROSS-COUNTRY SKIING, FRANCE
The thrill of sports lies not in the medals won but in the friendships forged and the joy of participating, according to Special Olympics France cross-country skier Fanélie Croizat.
The 44-year-old from Saint-Chamond in the Auvergne-Rhône-Alpes region of France is about to embark on her third World Winter Games when she takes on the snow in Italia, having previously competed at PyeongChang 2013 and Austria 2017.
LUKAS HÄMMERLI AND VICTORIA KÄLIN, DANCESPORT, SWITZERLAND
Lukas Hämmerli and Victoria Kälin are no ordinary dance duo. As partners, they are set to represent Switzerland at the Special Olympics World Winter Games Turin 2025—the world’s largest sports and humanitarian event of 2025.
This dynamic pair shares a deep passion for dancing, which has brought them together and set them on a path of mutual support, rhythm, and joy. They met at ‘Stiftung Bühl’ school in the Swiss municipality of Wädenswil when they were 15 years old, and their friendship has since transformed into a flourishing partnership on the dance floor.
STEPHANIE GOTT, FIGURE SKATING, GREAT BRITAIN
For Special Olympics Great Britain figure skater Stephanie Gott, the World Winter Games Turin 2025 holds extraordinary significance, not just as an athlete but as someone whose life began with a battle against the odds.
Italy is the home country of Dr. Marco Pozzi, the surgeon who saved Stephanie’s life when she was just 10 days old.
Born with a congenital heart defect, Stephanie underwent life-saving open-heart surgery as a newborn. “Thanks to him, I am here today,” she said of Dr. Pozzi. “I feel the happiest for being back in the country of the person who saved my life.”
INES KWASCHNOWITZ, FLOORBALL, GERMANY
For Special Olympics Germany floorball player Ines Kwaschnowitz, having Jasmin Stopfkuchen as her Unified partner has made all the difference. “She reassures me, gives me confidence and tips, and helps me when things get difficult,” said Ines.
This bond is evident in their rituals, such as walking hand in hand during warm-ups. This seemingly small but significant moment reflects their deep mutual trust and friendship. It also encapsulates the power of Special Olympics Unified Sports® which brings together athletes with and without intellectual disabilities to train and compete on the same team.
SEBASTIAAN VAN LUIJN, SHORT TRACK SPEED SKATING, NETHERLANDS
Standing at an impressive 1.98 meters tall, Sebastiaan Van Luijn faced bullying during his childhood, which could have easily deterred him from his dreams. Instead, he found strength in his passion for sport and the unwavering encouragement of those around him.
Today, Sebastiaan is a proud representative of the Special Olympics Netherlands team, gearing up for the most significant short track speed skating competition of his life: the Special Olympics World Winter Games Turin 2025.
"I didn't understand it before," said Sebastiaan, who currently works as a groundskeeper in parks and public gardens. "I was bullied a lot with my big body and I was often sad about that. But now I'm at peace with it and I have a lot of lovely people around me."
UGO VALENTINI, SNOWBOARDING, ITALY
Ugo Valentini's journey as an athlete has been shaped by his love for a variety of sports. From swimming and climbing to horseback riding and rafting, his enthusiasm for trying new activities has broadened his skills and enriched his life.
“Sport is fundamental for me. I've tried a lot of them, even football and table tennis with my dad. I grew up with sports and they have always made me feel great, a lot of emotions, and it's nice to share experiences with friends.”
ANCA MIRON, SNOWSHOEING, ROMANIA
Special Olympics Romania athlete Anca Miron has a zest for life that shines in her every move,.
The 41-year-old’s love for folk and modern dances, her award-winning photography and her athletic achievements reveal a multifaceted woman who uses creativity and hard work to bridge gaps and celebrate humanity.
But it’s sometimes hard to imagine that the same person who performs a tango routine and clicks the shutter to patiently capture striking moments, also trains intensely to compete in snowshoeing at the Special Olympics World Winter Games Turin 2025. Yet, Anca embodies the spirit of someone who refuses to be confined by limits.
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