Special Olympics Washington is thrilled to announce that two of our very own athletes, Jennifer Lonn and Joseph Warner, will be representing Special Olympics USA at the upcoming Special Olympics World Winter Games in Turin, Italy, from March 8-15, 2025! This global event will bring together over 1,500 athletes from 103 countries to compete in eight thrilling winter sports, showcasing the power of inclusion and the incredible determination of athletes with intellectual disabilities.
Jennifer and Joseph have worked tirelessly to reach this monumental point in their athletic careers, and we couldn’t be more proud of their achievements! As they prepare to compete on the world stage, they carry with them the support of their families, communities, and the entire Special Olympics Washington family!
Meet Jennifer Lonn: Cross-Country Skiing Champion
Jennifer Lonn, from Seattle, Washington, is no stranger to Special Olympics. With more than 40 years of participation, Jennifer has competed in over 10 sports throughout her athletic career. Now, she’s gearing up to represent Special Olympics USA in cross-country skiing at the Special Olympics World Winter Games!
Special Olympics has been a life-changing experience for Jennifer. Through her involvement, she’s built confidence, developed her social skills, and made lasting friendships. Over the years, Jennifer has overcome communication challenges and now takes great pride in earning medals and being recognized for her achievements.
Outside of her athletic pursuits, Jennifer has been employed at Costco for over 20 years. She enjoys her work, her colleagues, and is a huge Disney fan. Jennifer describes herself as fun, friendly, and hard-working. Competing on the world stage for Special Olympics USA is a dream come true for her, and she’s excited to take on the challenge of cross-country skiing in Italy.
Meet Joseph Warner: Snowboarding Superstar
Joseph Warner, from Spokane Valley, Washington, has been involved with Special Olympics for the past 13 years. He will represent Special Olympics USA in snowboarding at the World Winter Games! Joseph is not only a dedicated athlete but also a passionate volunteer and fundraiser for the Special Olympics movement.
Throughout his time with Special Olympics, Joseph has competed in a variety of sports, including Unified soccer and basketball. He has also taken on leadership roles, contributing to Special Olympics youth leadership initiatives. Special Olympics has given Joseph the opportunity to travel, make new friends, and become more social.
Joseph is an avid music fan, with a collection of over 2,000 cassette tapes. When he’s not snowboarding, he works at UPS and spends time training on the mountain and lifting weights to prepare for his upcoming competition. Joseph is proud to represent his family, community, and Special Olympics USA as he aims for success in Turin!
The Road to Turin 2025
The Special Olympics World Winter Games is the flagship event of the Special Olympics movement, held every two years to promote inclusion, equality, and acceptance through sport! The Turin 2025 games will feature athletes from around the world competing in eight sports, including Alpine skiing, cross-country skiing, dance, figure skating, floorball, snowboarding, snowshoeing, and speedskating. Special Olympics USA will have a 160-member delegation, including 101 athletes and Unified partners, along with 32 coaches and 27 support staff.
For Jennifer and Joseph, competing at the World Winter Games represents the culmination of years of hard work, dedication, and commitment! This is a once-in-a-lifetime opportunity for them to compete against the best in the world, while also creating lasting memories, experiencing new cultures, and forming lifelong friendships!
We invite everyone to follow Jennifer and Joseph’s journey as they prepare to compete at the Special Olympics World Winter Games Turin 2025! Their dedication to their sports and to the Special Olympics movement is truly inspiring! You can show your support by cheering for them on social media, sharing their story, and using the hashtag #Cheer4USA to join the celebration!
To learn more about the full Special Olympics USA delegation, visit www.specialolympicsusa.org, and be sure to follow Special Olympics Washington for updates on Jennifer and Joseph’s journey to Turin!
