At the Special Olympics World Winter Games taking place in Turin between March 8 - 15, Romania will field 22 athletes who will compete in five disciplines: alpine skiing (10 athletes), cross-country skiing (4), snowshoeing (4 athletes), speed skating (2) and figure skating (2), a release informs.
Roxana Ossian, head of the Team Romania Special Olympics delegation, said that the athletes are leaving for Italy with confidence and enthusiasm.
"It's been eight years since the last Winter World Games. We are eager to compete again! We are at the end of winter seasons with intense preparations - on alpine ski slopes, in sports centers for cross-country skiing and snowshoeing, on the ice rink. The athletes have trained seriously and are now ready to show the whole world what they can do. We are leaving for Turin with confidence, joy and enthusiasm, thanking all the sponsors and partners who support us," said Roxana Ossian.
Skier Cristian Ardeleanu said that he aspires for the best possible results in Turin. "It is an honor for me to represent Romania at the World Games in Turin. I am proud of my achievements and I will strive to achieve very good results. But, even if I do not win, I will be brave in my attempt," said Ardeleanu, who will compete in the alpine skiing event.
Snowshoer Oana Rotar declared in her turn: "For me, snowshoeing is not just a sport, but proof that any dream can come true if you follow your passion. At the World Games in Turin I will run not only for myself, but for all those who believe in the power of ambition. Regardless of the result, every step on the snow will be a victory."
The Special Olympics World Winter Games are the largest international sporting event dedicated to people with intellectual disabilities. The opening ceremony of the Turin 2025 edition is scheduled for March 8, and the competitions will take place between March 9 and 15, with over 1,500 athletes from 103 countries taking the start in 8 sports disciplines.
This is Romania's fifth participation in the Special Olympics World Winter Games. At the previous edition in Austria (2017), Team Romania secured 21 medals - 4 gold, 6 silver and 11 bronze.
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