Athletes from five African nations will participate in the 2025 Special Olympics World Winter Games, set to take place in Turin, Italy, from March 8 to 15. The event, which promotes sports inclusion for children and adults with intellectual disabilities, will feature over 1,500 participants from around the world.
Kenya, Ghana, Namibia, Senegal, and South Africa will represent the African continent, competing in various disciplines, including speed skating, athletics, equestrian, football, swimming, and table tennis.
Linet Lekanayla, Kenya’s floorball coach, expressed pride in competing at the global event, stating that it offers an opportunity to “showcase our talents on an international stage” and “bring honor to our nation in every game we play.”
South Africa and Senegal Field Strong Teams
South Africa, which won 16 gold, two silver, and five bronze medals at the 2017 Special Olympics Winter Games in Austria, will have six athletes competing in figure skating. Senegal, with one of the largest African delegations, will send 24 athletes to compete in multiple events, including athletics, equestrian, and football.
According to the event’s organizers, more than 2,000 volunteers and 1,000 officials will also take part in the games, which will be hosted across different venues in Italy. Competitions will include alpine skiing in Sestriere, cross-country skiing in Pragelato, dance sport in Bardonecchia, figure skating, floorball, short track speed skating, snowboarding, and snowshoeing.
Organizers emphasized that the Special Olympics World Winter Games go beyond athletic competition, aiming to celebrate human resilience, promote inclusion, and break down social barriers.