The Numbers
When trying to sum up international sports events, like the Special Olympics World Winter Games Turin 2025, it is tempting to look at the impressive numbers: 1,500 athletes and Unified partners from 100 nations, 2,000 volunteers, over 1,000 coaches and delegation officials, the list goes on.
The US delegation contributed 101 athletes and Unified partners, 32 coaches, and 27 support staff, representing 42 Special Olympics USA programs. Special Olympics New Jersey (SONJ) was present with two athletes: figure skater Aadita Arulalan, and speed skater Christopher McMullen.
Law Enforcement Torch Run Final Leg
Before the delegations from all over the world arrived in Turin, the Law Enforcement Torch Run (LETR) carried the Flame of Hope from Athens, Greece, to Italy, to finally light the cauldron at the Opening Ceremony. These officers are known as the Guardians of the Flame. Maggie Freeman from New Jersey was honored with this duty.
“The LETR Final Leg for the 2025 Special Olympics World Games commenced with a Flame Lighting Ceremony held at Zappeion Hall in Athens, Greece on February 25.” Freeman says. “We then carried the Flame of Hope through the streets of Athens to the Italian Embassy. Later that day, the Flame of Hope was transported to Rome and on February 26, a Host Nation Arrival Ceremony was held in St. Peter’s Square, Vatican City, for a special blessing of the Flame of Hope in the Vatican. We then traveled to Turin on February 27, with Torch Runs commenced on March 1. We ran through Bardonecchia, Turin, Sestriere, Pragelato, Novara, Vercelli, Cuneo, Asti, Alessandria, Verbania and Biella.”
But there was more than running through the beautiful Italian landscape. “On March 8 in the morning, we had a Polar Bear Plunge (inside at a pool) where we raised over $350,000 for Special Olympics.”, Freeman continues. Finally, “That evening we participated in Opening Ceremonies at Pala Alpitour Stadium.”
The sheer magnitude of happenings even before athletes begin to compete, and the mindboggling numbers aside, the real impact can be measured in how individuals are affected: “I am so fortunate to have had the opportunity to run alongside fellow LETR members from around the world as well as with 8 amazing Special Olympics athletes who accompanied us on each and every run. This adventure has had a profound effect on me and it is something that I will cherish forever.”, Freeman concludes.
Athletes On Their Way To Turin
The two SONJ athletes began their trip to Italy on March 4 at the SONJ Sports Complex in Lawrenceville, where they were joined by the Special Olympics Pennsylvania delegation. After some sendoff celebrations they boarded a bus and drove to the TWA Hotel at JFK airport to meet up with the whole US delegation. This was not the first time the athletes and coaches had met: in April 2024, team trials were held in Salt Lake City, where athletes, Unified partners, coaches, and support staff were evaluated. And, more importantly, athletes from all over the country had the opportunity to meet their teammates and make new friends.
During their time at TWA Hotel, delegation members had a chance to sort out team gear, get reacquainted with their colleagues, and look forward to the big sendoff dinner and the trip to Turin. On March 6, the US delegation boarded two separate airplanes and flew to Milan, and then took buses to their hotel in Turin.
These games were not only a big deal for the athletes, but also for their parents. As Arul Arulalan, Aadita’s father sums it up: “Participating in the Special Olympics World Winter Games in Turin was an extraordinary, once-in-a-lifetime experience for Aadita and our family. The past year’s journey – from team trials to delegation announcements, the arrival of apparel and kits, and the sendoff from SONJ with a police escort – has been truly unforgettable. We will hold these memories dear forever.”
Carol Rooney, Christopher’s mother, adds: “It is so rewarding as a parent to see your child able to compete on the World stage and enjoy the experience as much as Chris did. He trained and prepared for months to be ready to compete at his best and we know he gave it his all in every one of his speed skating events. He is our Miracle Kid – from not speaking at 3 years old to competing in the Special Olympic World Games in Italy representing the USA. I couldn’t be more proud of Chris!”
The Games Are On!
The long anticipated Opening Ceremony, where all delegations meet and then walk into the arena, was a spectacle to behold. ESPN+, ESPN3, and several European channels broadcast it live, there were dances, music performances, and speeches. One of the highlights was when all the LETR Final Leg runners joined the athletes in the arena, and handed the Flame of Hope to the athletes.
“The event itself was exceptionally well-organized from beginning to end. Some of the most inspiring moments included witnessing the entrance of the USA delegation during the parade of Athletes, seeing Aadita on the large jumbotron, listening to Chairman Shriver’s speech about Special Olympics as a country, and having the chance to meet and spend a few minutes with him in person during the family reception, where we took a family photo together.” says Arul Arulalan.
After the breathtaking Opening Ceremony the athletes’ focus turned to their respective competitions. Mountain sports were held in Sestriere, Bardonecchia, and Pragelato. The other sports were hosted in Turin.
Speed skater Christopher McMullen, who participated in three different distances (500m, 777m, and 1,000m), first had to go through divisioning and then the finals for each. He competed on the ice for four days straight.
“The best part of the SO World Games was winning a Gold Medal and skating my best!” McMullen proudly says. “I really liked being part of the Speed Skating Team, and getting to know and caring for each other. They were so much fun to hang out with. I am also so proud of being part of the Special Olympics USA delegation. Going to Italy, winning Gold and Bronze is something I will always remember. Now I get to show my Medals to everyone in New Jersey!”
As significant the medals are, there were other great moments for our athletes, as recounted by Christopher’s mother, Carol Rooney: “One fun experience in Italy: During the Awards Ceremony for Speed Skating when Chris was presented with his Gold Medal, the school children who were in the audience watching all started chanting: USA! USA! Chris had the biggest smile on his face. It was a great moment!”
McMullen’s total medal haul is 4th place in the 1,000m race, Bronze in the 500m, and Gold in the 777m. Quite impressive!
Figure skater Aadita Arulalan had a rough start, but with help from the delegation and her parents she recovered quickly and skated strongly, showing everybody what she can do. “This experience has brought me great joy. I encountered some difficult and overwhelming emotions during the initial days of the trip, but Special Olympics USA provided me with the opportunity to recover – a 2nd chance (like the music program I skated to) to appreciate all the hard work I have put in over the years in preparation for this global event.” Arulalan says.
“Skating at the Pala Tazzoli Ice Rink alongside fellow athletes from different countries, in front of an audience from around the world, with media coverage, was a dream come true. I felt genuinely happy with my performance during both practice sessions and the competition; I enjoyed every moment. Winning is not just about receiving a medal; it is more about how you face the challenges that arise and come out on top. I am thankful to Special Olympics USA and Special Olympics New Jersey for this incredible opportunity, which has allowed me to learn, grow, and enjoy the journey.” Arulalan concludes.
“We are grateful to LOC, delegation management, coaches, volunteers, and family for the incredible support that made this a truly world-class event.” adds her father.
Her resilience was rewarded with a 4th place medal. Congratulations!
While the success of an event of this magnitude could be measured in medals (Medal count for US Delegation: 37x Gold, 33x Silver, 43x Bronze, 37x 4th, 20x 5th, 6x 6th, 9x 7th, 2x 8th), the friendships, the experiences, the memories, are what make this event so precious for all participants.
Congratulations to our athletes for practicing hard and giving their best on the world stage. And thanks to parents, coaches, delegations officials, and everybody else who made this once-in-a-lifetime experience possible.
SONJ photos on Flickr
Official Games website
SO North America photo collection
SO International photo collection