UNAB Athletes Win Gold at the 2025 Special Olympics World Winter Games in Turin

The athletes and students from UNAB’s Diploma in Workforce Skills program excelled at the 2025 Special Olympics World Winter Games in Turin. Representing Chile as part of the Special Olympics Team Chile delegation, they secured medals in the demanding snowshoeing competition.

In the 4×400 relay final, student José Espinoza and alumni Nicolás Moreno and Josefina Sole won the gold medal after an intense race. Despite heavy snowfall and poor visibility, the athletes persevered and secured the top honor.

The team continued their strong performance in individual events. In the 200-meter M03 final, José Espinoza claimed the bronze medal, clocking in at 48.92 seconds. Meanwhile, in the 200-meter M09 final, Nicolás Moreno secured bronze, crossing the finish line in 44.50 seconds.

The achievements of current and former students from UNAB’s Diploma in Workforce Skills program highlight the talent and dedication of Chilean athletes in an international event that brings together competitors from around the world. Their success demonstrates the impact of inclusive sports and the high level of preparation of the Chilean delegation.

“This journey has been in the making for about five years with coach Pablo Pellicer, and this achievement crowns the tremendous commitment and dedication shown by both the students and their coach. We are incredibly proud. We feel that students in the program have become increasingly motivated by sports competitions, which bring them countless benefits — not only for their physical health but also for their emotional well-being and academic experience,” said María Fernanda Órdenes, director of the program.

A Unique Opportunity

Coach Viviana Aguayo, who led the snowshoeing team, shared her deep emotion over her athletes’ accomplishments:

“They have worked so hard and truly deserve to be here, experiencing this incredible moment. These are unique and real opportunities that help them grow as individuals and as athletes. It is so important to keep searching, building, and creating sporting opportunities so that more people with intellectual and developmental disabilities can have experiences like this.”

In 2027, Chile will have the honor of hosting the Special Olympics World Games in Santiago, a prestigious international event that will bring athletes from around the world to compete in the country.