Special story from Special Olympics Albania. Albanian athletes for the first time at the Special Olympics World Winter Games
2025-03-12 18:46:06
TiranaPost
Sport has the power to change lives, break barriers and above all, bring us together. This power is best conveyed by the stories of Stella and Joannes, two Special Olympics Albania athletes, who with passion, dedication and courage will represent Albania at the Special Olympics World Winter Games taking place in Turin 2025 from March 8 to 16.
For the first time in the history of Albanian sports, thanks to the support of Coca-Cola and other partners, 6 Special Olympics Albania athletes will be part of the Special Olympics World Winter Games. Where they will compete alongside 1,500 athletes from 103 different countries around the world in the sports disciplines of snowshoeing, alpine skiing and cross country skiing.
Meet Stella
An example of dedication and love for sport
Stela, who has been involved with Special Olympics Albania for six years, began her sporting journey with basketball and has competed in various activities such as football, athletics and most recently, winter sports. After her successful experience at the Special Olympics Berlin 2023, she has been intensively preparing to compete in the Cross Country Ski discipline at Turin 2025.
With determination and the support of her coach, Ervin Rota, Stela represents an incredible inspiration to all those who believe in the power of dedication and hard work.
Meet Joanes
The journey from Korça to the international arena
Joanes, although part of Special Olympics Albania for only a year, has shown a great passion for winter sports. Born in Koritë, Korça, he has combined his passion for skiing with the opportunities offered by the nature of his hometown for the development of this sport.
Currently, he is studying at the Hotel and Tourism Vocational School in Korça, and at the same time is intensively preparing for the Alpine Skiing competitions in Turin, where he will participate in three truly challenging competitions. With his passion for the sport and determination, supported by Special Olympics coach Krisli Xinxifi, he aims to inspire young people to dare to follow their dreams.
Let's celebrate the successes of these athletes together and continue to support inclusion and sport as a tool for positive change.
Coca-Cola, a founding partner and global sponsor of Special Olympics since 1968, supports Special Olympics programs, athletes and events through monetary and in-kind donations, volunteerism and awareness-raising initiatives. It is proud to do so in Albania, where it has been present for 30 years.
