Aer Lingus has flown Team Ireland to Turin for the 2025 Special Olympics World Winter Games, where 14 athletes will compete in floorball and alpine skiing.
After a year of rigorous training and unwavering dedication, Special Olympics Team Ireland has officially departed for the 2025 Special Olympics World Winter Games in Turin, Italy. The excitement was palpable as the athletes and their support team gathered at Dublin Airport’s Terminal 2 for a special send-off, marking the beginning of an incredible adventure on the international stage.
A Momentous Departure from Dublin Airport
The team’s departure kicked off with a press call yesterday evening, where athletes, coaches, and supporters came together before the group checked in their luggage and specialized sports equipment. The early hours of this morning saw a heartfelt farewell at Dublin Airport, as Aer Lingus Ground Operations, Cabin Crew, and Flight Operations teams welcomed the delegation before they boarded Aer Lingus flight EI 432 bound for Milan.
At precisely 5:30 AM, the group took their final steps on home soil before setting off on their much-anticipated journey to represent Ireland in the Special Olympics World Winter Games, which will take place from March 8th to 15th.
14 Athletes Ready to Compete in Floorball and Alpine Skiing
This year, Team Ireland boasts a delegation of 14 outstanding athletes, each of whom has undergone extensive preparation in pursuit of excellence at the Games. The squad comprises:
- Eight Floorball players, who will bring their agility, teamwork, and skill to the rink
- Six Alpine Skiers, who will take on the challenging slopes in Turin, aiming to showcase their speed and precision
Months of dedication, training sessions, and intense practice alongside coaches, clubs, and support teams have led to this moment, with the athletes eager to test their abilities against competitors from across the world.
A Global Celebration of Athletic Talent
The Special Olympics World Winter Games 2025 will welcome a diverse gathering of over 3,125 athletes from 102 nations, all competing across eight exhilarating winter sports. The event is a powerful celebration of inclusivity, determination, and sportsmanship, bringing together athletes of all abilities to demonstrate their talents on a global platform.
For Team Ireland, the Games represent not only a chance to earn medals but also an opportunity to inspire others through their achievements, resilience, and unbreakable spirit.
A Birthday Surprise at 30,000 Feet
One athlete had an especially unforgettable start to the journey—Joseph Sheehan, a dedicated member of the Floorball team, marked his birthday mid-flight. In a heartwarming gesture, the Aer Lingus crew and pilots surprised him with a birthday cake, ensuring that his special day was celebrated at 30,000 feet. This small yet meaningful moment set the tone for an uplifting and memorable trip for the entire delegation.
Unwavering Support from Volunteers, Families, and Aer Lingus
Every athlete thrives with a strong support system, and Team Ireland is no exception. As they embark on their journey to Turin, they will be surrounded by an incredible group of people who will provide encouragement and assistance every step of the way. Joining them for this momentous event are:
- 42 passionate volunteers, who will provide hands-on support throughout the Games
- 70 family members, traveling to cheer on their loved ones and bring a piece of home to Italy
Their presence will offer crucial motivation, ensuring that Team Ireland competes with confidence and pride.
A key supporter of Special Olympics Ireland for more than 25 years, Aer Lingus has once again stepped up to provide flights for the full delegation, reaffirming its long-standing commitment to empowering Irish athletes on the world stage.
Anticipation Builds as the Games Approach
With the countdown to competition day well underway, the excitement is reaching new heights. As the athletes prepare to hit the courts and the slopes, they carry with them the hopes and best wishes of an entire nation. Team Ireland is ready to make their mark, chase personal bests, and strive for podium finishes in Turin.
Ireland will be watching closely, cheering for every goal, every turn on the slopes, and every moment of triumph. As the 2025 Special Olympics World Winter Games commence, Team Ireland is poised to show the world what determination, courage, and passion truly look like.
Matt English, CEO of Special Olympics Ireland, highlighted the significance of this moment:
“This is the culmination of months of dedication, training, and teamwork. Our athletes have worked incredibly hard to get to this point, and we couldn’t be prouder of them. None of this would be possible without the unwavering support of their families, coaches, volunteers, and, of course, our longstanding partner Aer Lingus. We are incredibly grateful to everyone who has played a role in getting Team Ireland to Turin.”
Lynne Embleton, CEO, Aer Lingus, added: “We are immensely proud of the 14 athletes who will represent Ireland at the Special Olympics World Winter Games in Turin. It’s a huge achievement for each individual athlete and the fantastic wider support team behind them to compete at this high level for their country. The whole of Aer Lingus is behind Team Ireland to wish them the best of luck on the slopes and on the court in Turin. It’s our pleasure to have the team on board with us and a real honour for our ground operations team, our pilots and our cabin crew to be part of their send off today.”
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