Team Ireland Shines at the 2025 Special Olympics World Winter Games Opening Ceremony
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.
Watch Team Ireland making their entrance below:
Adorned in vibrant green jackets, the Irish athletes were full of enthusiasm, waving at the crowd and clapping. Their excitement was echoed by their families and supporters’ cheers, 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.
"You are the Flame of Hope"
The breathtaking Strength of Kindness Opening Ceremony, set the stage for an unforgettable Games, promoting the 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 inclusion, support and hope, as well as musical performances by the mesmerizing 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.”
Special Olympics International Chairman Dr. Timothy Shriver speaks while Special lympics Ireland athlete and Sargent Shriver Global Messenger Margaret Turley stands proudly with fellow Messengers:
"We are going to give it our best"
With the Games now officially underway, Team Ireland is ready to compete at the highest level, embodying the spirit of courage, sportsmanship, and determination.
Team Ireland floorball athlete Niall Corcoran, from Ballinahassig, Co. Cork 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, of Passage East, Co. Waterford, echoed these sentiments: “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 Team Ireland prepares for competition on the Court and Snow over the next 7 days, they will have the unwavering support of the nation!
Check out Team Ireland photos from the Opening Ceremony below:
