A Libertyville resident has taken home a medal and a ribbon while participating on the Special Olympics USA team at the World Winter Games in Italy.
Special Olympics Illinois said three of their Illinois athletes competed in the 2025 Special Olympics World Winter Games in Turin, Italy.
Those included Daniel Johnson, of Normal; Mallory Marvin, of Libertyville; and Brandon Waller, of Palatine. They were accompanied by Special Olympics Illinois coach Jim Bluemond, of Geneva, who served as a snowshoeing coach.
Turin hosted more than 1,500 athletes from 103 countries from March 8-16.
Special Olympics USA sent a 160-member delegation to Turin, competing across eight sports including Alpine skiing, cross-country skiing, figure skating, snowshoeing and more.
“Attending the World Games is a once-in-a-lifetime opportunity for these athletes and Unified partners. It’s the culmination of years of dedication and commitment. As they compete on the global stage, they will also experience new cultures, create countless memories, and build lifelong friendships,” said Brock Banos, the Head of Delegation for Special Olympics USA.
Johnson brought his speed and endurance to snowshoeing, racing across snowy landscapes, while Marvin joined Johnson in snowshoeing by showcasing her “power and perseverance.” Waller rounded out the snowshoeing contingent.
Marvin, a District 128 graduate, said she was “so proud” to compete against the fastest Special Olympics athletes from around the world. She earned a bronze medal and a fourth-place ribbon.
“It showed me why all my training mattered — and that I can do anything if I work hard enough. The best part was sharing this experience with my Special Olympics USA teammates, making lifelong friends, and having my family there to cheer me on,” Marvin said.
Johnson took home a silver medal and a fourth-place ribbon while Waller took home a gold medal and a silver medal.
Special Olympics Illinois President & CEO Pete Beale-DelVecchio, who was in Turin alongside Board Chair Kathy Schniedwind, said the athletes have made Illinois proud with their “dedication and hard work.”
“Their perseverance and success in Turin embody the spirit of Special Olympics Illinois, and we celebrate their incredible achievements in this experience of a lifetime!” he said.