Embedded Files
Special Olympics World Winter Games 2025 – Our Journey to Turin
Special Olympics World Winter Games 2025 – Our Journey to Turin
In March 2025, Ski Ability NI proudly represented Northern Ireland and Team Ireland on the global stage at the 12th Special Olympics World Winter Games in Turin, Italy — an unforgettable milestone in our club’s history.
Over 1,500 athletes from 102 countries came together to celebrate sport, inclusion, and human achievement. Among them were two of our very own: Lucy Best and Caolan McConville — both experienced skiers, both fierce competitors, and both shining ambassadors for our club and community.
A Club on the World Stage
After years of training, preparation, and unwavering commitment, Lucy and Caolan qualified to represent Team Ireland as alpine skiers — the only athletes from Northern Ireland in their discipline. Under the expert coaching of our Head Coach Jill Coulter-Slone, supported by Assistant Coaches Glyn Williamson and Jane McDowell, they went on to achieve extraordinary success:
Lucy Best:
Gold – Giant Slalom
Gold – Super-G
Bronze – Slalom
Caolan McConville:
Gold – Giant Slalom
Gold – Super-G
5th Place – Slalom (under challenging fog conditions)
Their achievements didn’t just bring home medals — they brought home pride, inspiration, and a renewed sense of what’s possible when athletes with intellectual disabilities are supported and celebrated.
More Than Medals
Lucy and Caolan’s impact extended far beyond the slopes. Since returning home, they’ve become powerful advocates for inclusive sport, featuring in national and regional media and inspiring young athletes across the country. Their success has shown that adaptive sport isn’t just about competition — it’s about opportunity, confidence, and community.
Their journey has been widely celebrated across the media — and rightly so. They’ve proven that talent, when nurtured in the right environment, can thrive on the world stage.
A Coaching Team Like No Other
Ski Ability NI is immensely proud of our coaching team who led the entire Team Ireland Alpine Ski squad at Turin 2025. Head Coach Jill Coulter-Slone, a pioneer of adaptive skiing in Northern Ireland, has transformed lives through her passion and commitment. Her nomination for Coach of the Year by Local Women Sport is a testament to the legacy she is building through inclusive sport.
Looking Ahead
The Special Olympics World Winter Games 2025 was not the end of our journey — it was a launching pad. We are already building toward future competitions, growing our club, and reaching more athletes than ever before.
To Lucy and Caolan — thank you for showing the world what’s possible. To our coaches, volunteers, families, and supporters — this success is yours too.
Join Us
Be part of our next chapter. Whether you want to ski, volunteer, coach, or support, there’s a place for you at Ski Ability NI.
#Turin2025 #TeamIreland #ProudClub #SkiFamily #SpecialOlympics #TheFutureIsHere
Page updated
Report abuse