Sports Unified: The Special Olympics Journey | Official trailer
Four athletes. Four countries. One solid trip. Unified by Sport explores the lives of four Special Olympics athletes on their way to the Torino 2025 World Winter Games, and their lives outside of competition. This is a story about the impact of sport on their confidence, independence, dreams and identity. It’s about life outside the arena and the people who stand by them every step of the way: family, friendships, coaches, teammates, and community. Through the challenges we face and those that lie ahead, we are witnessing resilience, growth, and the true meaning of inclusion. Amen. subjective. Real 🎬 will premiere in 2026
Special Olympics Europe and Eurasia Unified by Sports: The Special Olympics Journey has announced the launch of the trailer for the feature-length documentary, “Unified by Sports: The Special Olympics Journey,” which captures the extraordinary stories of four athletes as they competed in the Special Olympics World Championships. World Winter Games Torino 2025. The trailer was released in February, offering a first glimpse at the full 45-minute documentary, which is set to premiere later in 2026, marking the one-year anniversary of the historic games.
Below is the film supported by the European Union through the Erasmus+ programme Italy‘s Cross country skier eros zanotti, Romania‘s Snow boots anka meron, Great Britain‘s Figure skater Stephanie Gott, and Switzerland‘s Ice skater Marcel Schilling offers an intimate look at their daily lives, training routines, and experiences competing on the world stage. Through their journeys, the documentary demonstrates the transformative power of sport in terms of athletic achievement, as well as in promoting confidence and inclusion.
Eros is a strong believer in the transformative power of sport. “Sports are a culture. It helps you discover yourself and your talent and overcome difficulties and fears.” He is passionate about mythology, history and literature, including the Divine Comedy, and also loves music and dancing. As a member of the Si può Fare Band, he performs alongside young people with disabilities and volunteers.
He added: “Being at the World Winter Games in my country made me feel proud in a way that I cannot fully describe. Yes, I am proud of my races, but even more proud of the friendships, the smiles and the way everyone from all over the world came together.”
At 41, Anka is a multi-dimensional artist and athlete: she loves folk and modern dance, is an award-winning photographer, and excels at snowshoeing. She became widely known in Romania after appearing on the national TV reality show “Down the Road”. “Adventure in 2019” and has since been featured in ELLE Romania. Anka discovered snowshoeing during a Special Olympics ski camp. Although it was difficult at first, her determination and hard work turned it into a personal victory.
“Torino was pure magic,” says Anka. “It was about being part of something that celebrated every part of who we are. Competing in snowshoeing, as well as sharing laughter, encouragement and support with my teammates and family, made those days unforgettable.”
Stephanie was born with a congenital heart defect, and Italian surgeon Dr. Marco Pozzi saved Stephanie’s life. They are reunited in Turin 2025 in a deeply emotional reunion. Although she was bullied growing up, her family’s support and love of snowboarding helped her gain confidence and feel free.
“When I first put on my skates as a teenager, I never imagined that I would travel to Italy to compete on the world stage,” says Stephanie. “Figure skating taught me to trust my strength, and every moment in Turin reminded me that resilience is not just about winning medals, it is about celebrating what you have achieved. For anyone facing difficult situations, please remember that you are not alone, and there is always support and opportunity to help you feel as free as a butterfly.”
Marcel began his Special Olympics journey 18 years ago with his coach Armand, whose “learn by doing” approach helped Marcel build skills and confidence. Before winning the gold medal in World Games in Schladming in 2017Marcel spent months trying to perfect the running of the leading edge of his board. The feat came thanks to a plush toy lion that Armand tied to Marcel’s front shoe strap, a simple but effective reminder that helped him finally succeed after 160 days of trying. He went on to win a gold and two silver medals at Turin 2025.
Armand adds: “Marcel’s snowboarding journey was as much about heart as it was skill, from learning to spin after months of effort to standing on the podium in Turin. For him, snowboarding is freedom, and the World Games were an opportunity to show the world what he can do when he selflessly follows his passion.”
David Evangelista, President and CEO of Special Olympics InternationalHe says:
“Special Olympics shows us that sport is about more than just competition, it is about giving every athlete a place to belong, a voice to be heard, and the opportunity to thrive.”
“This documentary highlights the courage and tenacity of our athletes as they face real challenges, and reminds us that despite the progress that has been made, there is still much work to do. Sport is central to this mission, breaking down barriers, opening doors and minds alike. We are extremely grateful to the European Union for supporting inclusion and helping to make these opportunities for athletes with intellectual disabilities a reality across the continent.”
In addition to the documentary, Special Olympics Europe Eurasia is also releasing a children’s book series, including illustrated stories of each athlete’s journey. The books aim to teach young readers about empathy. Each book will be available in English and the athlete’s native language.
The documentary and book series form part of a wide-ranging ‘Unified by Sport’ campaign to celebrate the impact of Special Olympics across Europe and the world. Audiences can watch the trailer online via Special Olympics European Eurasia’s digital channels and expect the full documentary to premiere later this year.
The 2025 Special Olympics World Winter Games were held in Turin, Italy, from March 8 to 15, with more than 1,500 athletes from nearly 100 countries competing in eight sports: alpine skiing, cross-country skiing, cross-country skiing, figure skating, floorball, short track speed skating and figure skating.
Funded by the European Union. However, the views and opinions expressed are those of the author(s) only and do not necessarily reflect the views of the European Union or the European Education and Culture Executive Agency (EACEA). Neither the European Union nor EACEA can be held responsible for it.
