Special Olympics Kenya intensifies preparations for 2025 World Winter Games

Kenya’s contingent for the 2025 Special Olympics World Winter Games has received a major boost as they ramp up preparations for the global competition set to take place in Turin, Italy, from March 7 to 16, 2025.

The team, which will compete in floorball, is eager to make a mark on the international stage as they join over 1,500 athletes from more than 100 countries in the prestigious event.

The World Winter Games, being held for the first time since 2017, will take place in Italy’s Piedmont Region, bringing together athletes with intellectual disabilities in a showcase of skill, resilience, and sportsmanship.

Kenya’s participation highlights the nation’s growing presence in winter sports and its commitment to promoting inclusivity in athletics.

In a significant boost to their campaign, the team has secured a Kshs 1 million sponsorship to facilitate their training, travel, and logistics. The support is expected to play a crucial role in ensuring the athletes are well-equipped and ready to compete at the highest level.

Speaking on the partnership, National Bank of Kenya (NBK) Managing Director George Odhiambo emphasized the role of sports in driving social change and fostering inclusivity.

“Sports plays a powerful unifying role, and we are honored to support our athletes with intellectual disabilities as they prepare to represent Kenya on the global stage. This sponsorship underscores our belief in the power of sports to create opportunities for all,” said Odhiambo.

The Special Olympics Kenya team is set to depart for Italy on March 6, 2025, and will compete across multiple sporting disciplines, with floorball being a key focus. Floorball, a dynamic indoor sport similar to ice hockey, is played with plastic sticks and a light ball.

In the Special Olympics format, teams play three versus three on a smaller court measuring 20 meters by 12 meters, with goalkeepers actively guarding their nets without using sticks.

Special Olympics Kenya Board Treasurer Ms. Mugadi expressed gratitude for the support, noting its significance in helping the athletes prepare adequately for the Games.

“We are grateful for this sponsorship, which will go a long way in ensuring that our athletes are well-prepared to compete at the World Games level. This partnership is a testament to the power of collaboration in creating an inclusive society where athletes with intellectual disabilities can thrive,” she said.

Special Olympics Kenya, part of the global Special Olympics movement operating in over 190 countries, has been instrumental in providing year-round sports training and competitions for children and adults with intellectual disabilities since its establishment in 1978.

With this latest backing, Team Kenya is poised to make a strong showing at the 2025 Special Olympics World Winter Games, further cementing the country’s reputation in adaptive sports.