Because nothing says 'Winter' quite like Florida, right? So how did a Coral Springs, Florida resident find herself competing in the Special Olympics World Winter Games? And how do you train for Alpine skiing when you live in South Florida? It's 92 degrees here today! Well - there's always a way.
Meet Kellie Matthew of Coral Springs, Florida. Kellie will be competing in the Alpine Skiing event at the Special Olympics World Winter Games Turin 2025, being held March 8-16, 2025. She will represent Special Olympics USA in Alpine skiing. Special Olympics has helped Kellie learn to overcome her personal obstacles, as she takes great pride in her accomplishments and ability to try new things. Kellie has competed in Special Olympics since she was 9 years old.
But How Do You Train For The Special Olympics World Winter Games - When You Live In Florida?
I absolutely had to ask that question. How does someone living just outside of Fort Lauderdale train for downhill skiing? So I asked Jim Stratton of Special Olympics Florida, and I got my answer "Here’s a description of how the athletes train:"
"Athletes learn to ski using all of the equipment (skis, boots, etc.) for half of the training session. Coaches set up a mock slope using black plastic and then soak the plastic with Dawn detergent and water. Athletes “ski” down this slope. They also maneuver through cones to simulate the gates on the mountains. They fall down on slanted ground and learn how to get up in the proper direction. For the second half of the practice, they use roller blades to skate through a series of cones (simulating the gates on a ski slope)."
Preparation
Athletes in Broward County have been participating in snow skilling for over a decade now. They started out training in the sand and have moved to grass. They also prepare with inline skating. Linsey Smith of Special Olympics Florida adds "It is truly amazing how prepared they are when they hit the slopes."
Special Olympics USA is comprised of 101 athletes and Unified partners, 32 coaches and 27 delegation members who support team operations. Athletes will compete in the eight sports offered: Alpine skiing, cross country skiing, Dance Sport, figure skating, floorball, snowboarding, snowshoeing and speedskating.
"Attending World Games is a once-in-a-lifetime opportunity for these athletes and Unified partners and is the culmination of years of hard work, determination, and commitment. In addition to competing on the world stage, they will experience new cultures, creating countless memories and lifelong friendships," said Brock Banos, Head of Delegation for Special Olympics USA. "I encourage every American to cheer for Special Olympics USA, celebrate the triumphs of the athletes and Unified partners, and take pride in knowing that each member of our delegation will represent our country with excellence and honor. Go Special Olympics USA!"
The Special Olympics World Winter Games Turin 2025 will take place from March 8 -16, 2025, gathering over 1,500 athletes from 103 countries to compete in eight winter sports and showcase the determination of people with intellectual disabilities and the power of inclusion through sport. Special Olympics World Winter Games events will be held in the Piedmont region of northwest Italy.
Special Olympics World Winter Games Coverage
ESPN's television networks and digital platforms will bring extensive coverage to sports fans and supporters of the Special Olympics movement around the world. As the official global broadcast partner of Special Olympics, ESPN will deliver live and recorded highlights on its family of TV channels, the ESPN+ streaming service, ESPN3, ESPN.com and the ESPN App.
