From March 8 to 15, more than 1,000 athletes from over 100 departments assemble in Turin to compete in eight different disciplines.
At a gala event in Milan on March 6, three limited-edition Vespa Primavera Electric Mopeds created by Italian Special Olympics athlete Ilaria Ghinka Bonanni and internationally recognised artists Frank Gehry and Urs Fischer will be put up for auction. The international association whose goal is to promote inclusive sport for athletes with intellectual impairments will receive the proceeds from the Vespas as well as six helmets that were also designed by the artists. The CEO of the Piaggio Group, Michele Colaninno, says, "The Special Olympics team works tirelessly to create possibilities for them."
The 2025 Special Olympics World Winter Games are expected to be a remarkable event honouring athletics, inclusivity, and acceptance. With 1500 participants from more than 100 delegations competing in eight different sports (alpine skiing, cross-country skiing, dance sport, figure skating, floorball, snowboarding, snowshoeing, and speed skating), the international event's motto is "The future is here." The games will be held in the Piedmont area of Italy, which includes Turin and the mountain towns of Sestriere, Pragelato, and Bardonecchia, from March 8 to 15.
One of them is Italian Special Olympics athlete, actor, and artist Ilaria Ghinka Bonanni, who is well-known for her stage monologues that focus on autism. She has customised a Vespa Primavera Electric Moped with assistance from the Piaggio Group's Style Centre. Renowned designers and architects Frank Gehry (Canadian-American) and Urs Fisher (Swiss, who lives and works in New York) have also produced their own Vespa Unique Edition, which features unique designs influenced by the Special Olympics. At a gala event in Milan on March 6, the three Vespas and six helmets—which were also painted by the artists—will be put up for auction. The Special Olympics international organisation, established in 1968, will benefit from the proceeds.
“If any of us have the chance to do something to foster the power of people with special needs, we must do so. Every moment of our life, we need to remember to look after each other. It’s been a wonderful journey and an honour to work and speak with the Special Olympics team who work tirelessly to create possibilities for these extraordinary individuals all around the world. Today we’re celebrating art as part of our soul. We say thank you to Ilaria ‘Ghinka’ Bonanni, Frank Gehry and Urs Fisher for sharing their minds and their hands to help people with special needs.” - Michele Colaninno, CEO Piaggio Group.
The Piaggio Group will a further support role during the 2025 Special Olympics World Winter Games. A team of employees from a range of the company’s locations will be official volunteers, providing support for the event organisers and athletes.
