On this episode of the Special Chronicles Podcast Series: “A Recap of Turin 2025,” Daniel Smrokowski sits down with Lou Lauria, the Chief of Sport and Competition for Special Olympics, to discuss his journey, the Special Olympics World Winter Games in Turin 2025, and what it takes to organize such a global event. Lou shares insights on the Games, the athletes, and the incredible impact of the Special Olympics movement.
Lou reflects on how we connected through the Special Olympics World Games 2019 in Abu Dhabi and takes us through his personal journey into the world of Special Olympics. He also gives us an overview of his responsibilities as Chief of Sport and Competition for the upcoming World Winter Games in Turin 2025, sharing what it takes to prepare for such a monumental event.
We dive deep into the World Winter Games, discussing what makes the 2025 Winter Games in Turin so special and what we can expect from the competition. Lou talks about how athletes are preparing for the winter sports, the challenges they face, and how Special Olympics ensures athletes are fully prepared. He also highlights how inclusion of athletes with intellectual disabilities is front and center, even in traditionally able-bodied sports. Plus, we hear why the beautiful city of Turin, with its rich history in hosting major sporting events, will provide an unforgettable backdrop for the Games.
Lou discusses his role in ensuring the fairness and safety of the competition, while also celebrating the spirit of the Games. He reflects on how the Special Olympics emphasizes personal growth and inclusion, not just competition, and how these values are integrated into the sports events. We also learn about new or exciting sports being introduced in 2025 and how Special Olympics selects the events. Lou touches on the support systems in place for athletes, ensuring their success beyond the competition, and how the Games impact local communities and promote inclusion on a global scale.
Looking to the future, Lou shares his hopes for the future of Special Olympics, particularly in expanding access to winter sports for athletes with intellectual disabilities worldwide. He also reflects on the most memorable moments from the athletes, volunteers, and fans during the Games, and why people should support and engage with the Special Olympics movement.
Tune in to hear Lou’s inspiring perspective and a behind-the-scenes look at what it takes to bring the world’s largest sporting event for athletes with intellectual disabilities to life!
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Episode 761 Show Notes & Links:
🎧 Listen on SpecialChronicles or Wherever You Get Podcasts https://specialchronicles.com/podcast761
📺Watch on YouTube: Visit https://youtu.be/iBczbw3P2VE to Watch Full Video Episode.
Enjoyed this episode? Tune in to our Special Chronicles Podcast Series "A Recap of Turin2025" to hear more stories from the World Winter Games: https://specialchronicles.com/Turin2025
Watch Recap of Special Olympics World Winter Games Turin 2025 on YouTube: https://youtube.com/playlist?list=PLIHbm7j-AXsVNDkcqICXeEgjeugXpfOuS&si=xfoWV8jdaQf1PcFO
Get Involved in the Specia Olympics Movement: https://www.specialolympics.org/get-involved?locale=en
Connect with Lou Lauria on Linkedin: https://www.linkedin.com/in/lou1lauria
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