Unified by Sport: Special Olympics Europe Eurasia Launches Powerful Documentary Trailer Ahead of Turin 2025 One Year Anniversary

Special Olympics Europe Eurasia has announced the launch of the trailer for ‘Unified by Sports: The Special Olympics Journey’, a documentary that captures the extraordinary stories of four athletes as they competed in the World Winter Games Turin 2025. The trailer, released in February, offers the first glimpse of the full 45-minute documentary, which will premiere later in 2026, the year the historic Games took place.

The film, supported by the European Union through the Erasmus+ programme, follows Italy‘S cross-country skier Eros Zanotti, Romania‘S snowshoes Anca Miron, Great Britain‘S figure skater Stephanie Gott, and Switzerland‘S snowboarder Marcel Schilling, who provides an intimate glimpse into their daily lives, training routines and experiences on the world stage. Through their journeys, the documentary illustrates the transformative power of sport in terms of athletic performance, but also in promoting confidence and inclusivity.

Eros strongly believes in the transformative power of sport. “Sport is culture. It helps you discover yourself and your talent, overcome difficulties and fears.” He has a passion for mythology, history and literature, including Divine Comedy, and also enjoys music and dance. As a member of the “Si può Fare Band” he performs together with young people with disabilities and volunteers.

He added: “Participating in the World Winter Games in my home country made me proud in a way I can’t fully put into words. Proud of my races, yes, but even more so of the friendships, the smiles and the way everyone from all over the world came together.”

Anca, 41 years old, is a multi-dimensional artist and athlete: she loves folk and modern dance, is an award-winning photographer and excels in snowshoeing. She became widely known in Romania after appearing in the reality show ‘Down the Road’ on national television. Adventure in 2019′, and since then she has been featured in ELLE Romania magazine. Anca discovered snowshoeing during a Special Olympics ski camp. Although it was a challenge at first, her determination and hard work turned it into a personal triumph.

Anca says: “Turin was pure magic. It was about being part of something that celebrates every part of who we are. Participating in snowshoeing and sharing laughter, encouragement and support with my teammates and family made those days unforgettable.”

Born with a congenital heart defect, Stephanie’s life was saved by Italian surgeon Dr. Marco Pozzi. They were reunited in Turin 2025 in a deeply emotional meeting. Despite being bullied growing up, her family’s support and her love for figure skating helped her gain self-confidence and a sense of freedom.

Stephanie says, “When I first put on my skates as a teenager, I never imagined I would be flying to Italy to compete on the world stage. Skating has taught me to trust my own strength, and every moment in Turin reminded me that resilience is not just about winning medals, but about celebrating how far you have come. For anyone experiencing challenging situations, remember that you are not alone and there is always support and an opportunity to help you feel as free as a butterfly.”

Marcel began his Special Olympics journey 18 years ago with his coach Armand, whose ‘learning by doing’ approach helped Marcel build both skills and confidence. Before he won gold at the World Games in Schladming in 2017Marcel has been trying for months to master turning on the leading edge of his board. The breakthrough came thanks to a plush lion that Armand attached to the strap of Marcel’s front boot, a simple but effective reminder that ultimately helped him succeed after 160 days of trying. He then won one gold and two silver in Turin 2025.

Armand adds: “Marcel’s journey on a snowboard has been as much about heart as it has been about skill, from learning to turn 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 is capable of when he follows his passion with dedication.”

David Evangelista, president and CEO of Special Olympics Internationalsay:

“This documentary highlights the courage and perseverance of our athletes as they face real challenges, and reminds us that while progress has been made, there is still so much work to do. Sport is central to that mission, breaking down barriers and opening doors and minds. We are deeply grateful to the European Union for championing inclusion and helping to make these opportunities a reality for athletes with intellectual disabilities across the continent.”

In addition to the documentary, Special Olympics Europe Eurasia is also releasing a children’s book series, with illustrated stories about each athlete’s journey. The books are intended to teach young readers about empathy. Each book will be available in English and the athlete’s native language.

The documentary and book series are part of a wider ‘Unified by Sport’ campaign celebrating the impact of the Special Olympics in Europe and the world. Audiences can watch the trailer online via Special Olympics Europe Eurasia digital channels and anticipate the full documentary premiere later this year.

The 2025 Special Olympics World Winter Games took place in Turin, Italy, between March 8 and 15, with more than 1,500 athletes from approximately 100 countries competing in eight sports: alpine skiing, cross-country skiing, dance, figure skating, floorball, short track speed skating and snowboarding.

^{Financed by the European Union. However, the views and opinions expressed are solely those of the author(s) and do not necessarily reflect those of the European Union or the European Executive Agency for Education and Culture (EACEA). Neither the European Union nor the EACEA can be held responsible for this.}