News & Stories

With an average snowfall of 72 inches per year, Bruceton Mills, West Virginia, far surpasses the national average of 28 inches. A small town, it’s called home to a population of 61, including Special Olympics West Virginia athlete Brandon Wilt. Given its distance from bigger city lights, these West Virginians source their entertainment from Mother Nature herself. And when that comes in the form of snow, Brandon is at the ready, snowshoes tightly strapped. At the height of the coronavirus pandemic, he was relatively new to snowshoeing. Steadily picking up speed and gaining confidence in his footing, Brandon found the sport to be an escape from the isolation he felt during lockdown. The weight of his depression seemingly unbearable, he felt lighter with each step.

Aadita Arulalan treated a figure skating injury just as she had every other obstacle she faced: as conquerable. Through a focus on techniques designed to manage stress, Aadita returned to the rink and now prepares to compete in Turin.

Built and fortified by generations, Special Olympics is home to many. What we may lack in biological ties, we more than compensate for with our shared commitment to inclusion and a sense of belonging. Special Olympics Michigan athlete Max Gilbert was raised by parents who taught him the importance of embracing people’s differences from a young age. And with Special Olympics, he has always felt right at home.

For nearly five years, Lindsay has worked as a tea barista at ExtraSpecialTeas, where she assists with baking operations, brewing and supporting their community-based day programs

For nearly five years, Lindsay has worked as a tea barista at ExtraSpecialTeas, where she assists with baking operations, brewing and supporting their community-based day programs

Special Olympics Alaska athlete Sulynnette Ledesma has many a trick up her sleeve. Born in the tropics of Bayamón, Puerto Rico, she now feels at home on the snowy slopes of Anchorage, Alaska. At five years old, her mother and stepfather relocated their family to Alaska, in search of improved health services for her brother, who has autism.

Peter Gianatiempo’s parents both grew up in the colorful New York City borough of Queens. One day, his father walked into a pizza place, where he met an employee wearing a nametag that read “Gianatiempo.” The man was speaking Italian, so Peter’s father questioned their potential familial relation. As it turned out, both their families originated from Naples, Italy. A tie that bound them together, they remain friends to this day.

160 Athletes, Coaches and Staff to Represent the United States at Special Olympics World Winter Games Turin 2025

With more than 1,000 candles lining a 10-kilometer course, skiers and snowshoers trek across a frozen Lake Superior at night. Each year, Book Across the Bay attracts outdoor enthusiasts and athletes to the City of Ashland, Wisconsin. For the Bluemonds, it’s a family tradition. In less than 50 minutes, Special Olympics Illinois athlete Ben Bluemond can finish the race.