World Games 2025 Turin - Special Olympics CO

Countdown to Turin

2025/03/08 09:01:00

The Special Olympics World Winter Games are the world’s largest inclusive winter sports event. Thousands of athletes with intellectual disabilities compete together in a variety of winter sports, such as alpine skiing, cross-country skiing, figure skating, snowboarding, and snowshoeing.

The Special Olympics World Winter Games Turin 2025 will take place from 8-15 March 2025, gathering over 1,500 athletes from 102 countries to compete in eight winter sports and showcase the determination of people with intellectual disabilities and the power of inclusion through sport.

Two Colorado athletes have been nominated to be part of Special Olympics USA at the Special Olympics World Winter Games Torino 2025. For more information, check out the official website HERE.

Competitors

Catherine Darrow, Snowboarding

Catherine Darrow of Lyons, Colorado, has been an active snowboarding athlete for seven years, showcasing her talent and determination through two years of competing in triathlons and winning nationals with two gold medals. Special Olympics has instilled in her a sense of pride in her abilities and taught her to overcome self-comparison, while her involvement in the Lyons community and passion for acting, dancing and singing enrich her life. Admiring her supportive family and driven by a quick perception in adrenaline-fueled situations, Catherine eagerly anticipates representing her country at the Special Olympics World Winter Games, fueled by her dedication to dryland and triathlon training at the YMCA. A previous competitor at the Special Olympics USA Games, Catherine is a student at Front Range Community College, preparing for a bright future ahead.

DONATE TO SUPPORT CATHERINE

Ryan Daly, Alpine Skiing

Ryan Daly of Erie, Colorado, has been an active participant in Special Olympics for about 10 years, engaging in flag football, basketball, soccer and Alpine skiing, finding valuable lessons in teamwork and sportsmanship along the way. Through his involvement, he’s forged lifelong friendships and learned the importance of trying his best, regardless of the outcome. Graduating high school and a transitional program, Ryan now enjoys a fulfilling job, excels as an advanced skier and volunteers at various organizations, while indulging in hobbies like video games, photography and beach visits. Admiring his supportive friends and family, Ryan looks forward to representing his country at the World Winter Games, eager to experience skiing in a new country and connect with fellow athletes.

DONATE TO SUPPORT RYAN

Coaches

Diane Mikulis, Alpine Skiing Coach

Diane Mikulis of Breckenridge, Colorado, has dedicated over 35 years to Special Olympics, serving as an Alpine skiing coach since 2005, coaching athletes to success while coordinating the local program in Summit County and coaching tennis. Special Olympics has enriched her life through meaningful relationships and opportunities to share her passions, despite the challenge of time constraints. A certified adaptive ski instructor and avid adventurer, Diane loves hiking, biking, skiing, traveling and volunteering with adaptive sports organizations and local food pantries. Diane’s enthusiasm, responsiveness and organization skills shine through her coaching and leadership roles, spanning numerous Special Olympics World Games and Special Olympics USA Games events. Representing the Special Olympics USA delegation is an honor for Diane, who eagerly anticipates connecting with teammates and fellow athletes from around the world.

Scott Beckstead, Snowshoeing Coach

Scott Beckstead of Durango, Colorado, has dedicated 28 years as a Special Olympics coach, mentoring athletes in various sports like athletics, soccer, volleyball, Alpine skiing, snowshoeing and cycling, fostering friendships and witnessing the transformative power of sports. Proud father, Olympic torchbearer and Special Olympics Colorado Hall of Fame inductee, Scott finds joy in scuba diving, cycling, golfing, skiing and volunteering, embodying values of kindness, generosity and outgoingness, while admiring those who courageously pursue their goals. Representing his country fills Scott with immense pride and love, as he remains committed to his athletes’ success through regular communication and coaching. With extensive involvement in World Games events and leadership as finance director, Scott’s dedication to Special Olympics shines brightly!

Management Team

Chaka Sutton, Management Team

Chaka Sutton of Broomfield, Colorado, has been involved with Special Olympics for 29 years and will represent Special Olympics USA as a member of the management team. He has served as a Special Olympics World Games coach in 1999, 2005 and 2007. He has also served in support roles for the Special Olympics USA Games in 2006, 2010, 2014, 2018 and 2022 and for the Special Olympics World Games in 2011, 2015, 2019 and 2023. Chaka serves as the chief outreach officer and senior vice president of sports, schools and community for Special Olympics Colorado, where he has for 26 years. A Special Olympics superfan, Chaka looks forward to seeing Special Olympics USA athletes compete at the highest level.

Aspen DeField, Sport Manager

Aspen DeField of Arvada, Colorado, started volunteering with Special Olympics Colorado in 2007. Prior to that, she volunteered with the organization in New Mexico, North Carolina and Pennsylvania. She will represent Special Olympics USA as a sport manager. As the Special Olympics coordinator for Denver Parks & Recreation Adaptive Recreation programs, Aspen coaches and coordinates Special Olympics programming year-round. She also serves on the disciplinary committee for Special Olympics Colorado. As a coach, Aspen attended the Special Olympics World Games Berlin 2023, 2022 Special Olympics USA Games, the Special Olympics World Games Abu Dhabi 2019 and the Special Olympics World Winter Games Austria 2017. Special Olympics has provided Aspen with many opportunities to encourage athletes. One such opportunity, coaching the Special Olympics Colorado Rapids Unified soccer team, allowed Aspen the chance to combine her two favorite things, Special Olympics and soccer, forever sparking her interest and passion for supporting athletes in life-changing experiences. She is proud of her ability to advocate for athletes, taking the time to get to know them, truly listen to them and try to do everything in her power to support their needs, in both sport skills and transferrable life skills.