Team Ireland made a triumphant entrance at the Opening Ceremony of the 2025 Special Olympics World Winter Games, held at the iconic Inalpi Stadium in Turin, Italy.
As Team Ireland marched in, dancers lined the perimeter while a brass band filled the air with lively music, setting an electric atmosphere. Moli, the beloved mascot of the Games, greeted the athletes with open arms, adding to the spectacle of the night.
Adorned in vibrant green jackets, the Irish athletes were full of enthusiasm, waving at the crowd and clapping. Their excitement was echoed by the Family supporters’ cheers, that could be heard throughout the arena.
Other highlights of the parade included huge resounding cheers for Team Palestine, and a large delegation of athletes from the USA, led by the Second Lady of the United States of America, Usha Vance.
The breathtaking Strength of Kindness Opening Ceremony, set the stage for an unforgettable Games, promoting Special Olympics mission of inclusivity in sport.
Produced by award-winning Balich Wonder Studio and led by Marco Balich, the ceremony was broadcast live on ABC/ESPN+/Disney+ and Italy’s Rai 2.
Spectators were treated to outstanding, dancers giving emotional performances conveying exclusion, support and hope, as well as musical performances by the Allegro Moderato Choir Italian singer, rapper, and record producer Mr. Rain, and Grammy-nominated singer and songwriter Aloe Blacc kicking off celebrations following the lighting of the “Flame of Hope” marking the official opening of the 2025 World Winter Games.
2025 Special Olympics World Games President Patrizia Sandretto Re Rebaudengo delivered an inspiring address, stating, “I know that each one of you has carried a spark of the flame inside you, preparing and training, day after day. The ‘Flame of Hope’ is the hope in little things: a smile, a snowfall, a happy day. It is also the hope in bigger things: a welcoming community, an equitable society, a world at peace. You are the ‘Flame of Hope.’ Carry it forward. We will be with you.”
Special Olympics Ireland Athlete, Margaret Turley stood proudly with 11 other Sargent Shriver Global messengers as Special Olympics International Chairman Dr. Timothy Shriver emphasized the profound impact of the athletes, saying, “All of us here—be we doctors, teachers, law enforcement officers, coaches, families, volunteers, politicians, business leaders, faith leaders or partners—we all want to be brave like you, our athletes. What it looks like to treat everyone with dignity – that is bravery. This is your gift, your moment to be brave.”
With the Games now officially underway, Team Ireland is ready to compete at the highest level, embodying the spirit of courage, sportsmanship, and determination.
Niall Corcoran, (Ballinahassig, Cork) from Team Ireland’s Floorball team emphasized how proud he is to be a part of the Opening Ceremony, and Team Ireland: “I am proud to be representing my country, my family and my clubs.”
When asked what he hoped to achieve at the games he said, “We are going to give it our best, and that’s all you can do.”
Fellow team mate James Upton (Passage East, Waterford) echoed his statement saying, “We have good coaches backing us, we have a good team behind us, we’ll see what happens if we don’t win medals we’ll have memories from Italy.”
As the Team prepares for competition on the Court and Snow over the next 7 days, we will be there to report on their energy and the outcome of their effort.
SPORT FOR BUSINESS PERSPECTIVE
It is a privilege to be in Italy this week with Team Ireland and to see at first hand the impact that sport has on the lives of those who some would say do not deserve this chance. Tim Shriver’s speech in the presence of Usha Vance, together with her presence will hopefully make an impact on the cuts being applied to funding of programmes for inclusion in America and around the world.
WHAT’S UP NEXT?
Training today and the start of competition for Ireland Floorball and Alpine Skiing Teams tomorrow.
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