The Kuwaiti athletes.

TURIN, March 2, (KUNA): The Kuwaiti Special Olympics delegation is set to participate in the 12th Special Olympics World Winter Games 2025, hosted in Turin, Italy, from March 8 to 15. The delegation has been preparing through several training camps to secure a national sporting achievement.

Hana Al-Zawawi, Chairperson of the Board of Directors of the Kuwaiti Special Olympics, shared with the Kuwait News Agency (KUNA) on Sunday that the athletes’ spirits are high, which serves as a major motivation to achieve top positions and further enhance the country’s record in sporting achievements.

Al-Zawawi emphasized that despite limited training facilities for winter sports in Kuwait, the delegation has worked diligently under the guidance of the Special Olympics technical and administrative staff to achieve optimal results. She noted that the athletes are determined to overcome challenges, particularly the cold weather and their lack of experience with snow. She expressed hope that the delegation would set a new milestone for Kuwaiti sports, particularly for athletes with intellectual disabilities.

The delegation consists of three athletes and their parents, as well as the head of the delegation and a doctor, who will be involved in the health screening program for athletes during the Games, which is affiliated with Special Olympics.

Khaled Al-Nasser, head of the delegation, stated to KUNA that Kuwaiti athletes will face stiff competition, especially since participants from other countries are more accustomed to winter sports and cold weather. However, he emphasized that the technical staff of Kuwaiti Special Olympics has made great strides in preparing the athletes to bring home a new achievement. Al-Nasser also highlighted that camps were held in Egypt and the UAE to help athletes acquire the necessary skills to face the challenges of the Games.

The Kuwaiti athletes participating in the Games are Maryam Diab in snowboarding, and Hajar Al-Rashidi and Abdullah Al-Ali in snow running. Al-Nasser expressed hope that the team would secure strong placements, mirroring the success of Kuwaiti Special Olympics athletes who won 21 medals at the Special Olympics World Summer Games in Berlin (2023).

Dr. Bibi Al-Amiri, a child and adolescent psychiatry consultant accompanying the delegation, spoke with KUNA about her pride in representing Kuwait in this global event, noting that the participation of athletes embodies determination and resilience. Dr. Al-Amiri highlighted her role in the health program, titled "Strong Minds," which focuses on the mental health of the athletes. She explained that the program will help create a comfortable environment for the athletes, especially considering their unfamiliarity with snow and cold temperatures. It also addresses the psychological pressures that come with competition and being away from home. In addition to mental health support, the health program includes eye and hearing exams, physical therapy, and dental care. Dr. Al-Amiri emphasized the importance of daily psychological support to ensure the well-being of the athletes and to help the Kuwaiti delegation achieve strong results.

The 12th Special Olympics World Winter Games 2025 in Turin will be the largest sporting event for people with intellectual disabilities, with more than 1,500 athletes from 102 countries competing in eight winter sports, including mountain skiing, snowboarding, indoor soccer, and snow running, among others.