• 3200 Mountain View Dr. Anchorage, AK 99501
  • Phone: 1-907-222-7625
  • info@specialolympicsalaska.org
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2025 World Winter Games

 

The Special Olympics World Winter Games are the world’s largest inclusive winter sports event. Thousands of athletes with intellectual disabilities compete together in a variety of winter sports, such as alpine skiing, cross-country skiing, figure skating, snowboarding, and snowshoeing. Nine days of exciting and inspiring competitions, by athletes and for athletes.

From March 8 – 16 2025, the Special Olympics World Winter Games 2025 will take place in Turin – the first time that Italy will host the Games! We are looking forward to a colorful international festival of sports – with the aim of achieving greater recognition and social participation of people with intellectual disabilities in our society. 

 

Three Special Olympics Alaska athletes, two alpine skiers and one snowboarder, will represent Team SO USA at these World Games. Additionally, the Head Alpine Ski Coach and one of the Assistant Snowboard coaches hail from Alaska. 

MEET THE ATHLETES & COACHES

Nathaniel Hunt
Athlete - Alpine Skiing
Wasilla, AK

Nathaniel Hunt, from Wasilla, Alaska, has been an active athlete for seven years, primarily in Alpine skiing through Special Olympics. Noteworthy milestones for Nathaniel’s journey include his participation in the Special Olympics USA Games, his role as an assistant basketball coach and his involvement in the Law Enforcement Torch Run® for Special Olympics. Special Olympics has not only honed his skills but also boosted his confidence and social engagement.

Beyond sports, Nathaniel has excelled in leadership, representing his school at the Special Olympics USA Games and even earning a spot in global competitions. When not on the slopes or court, he enjoys video games, basketball matches and indulging in arts and crafts. Inspired by Kobe Bryant’s work ethic, Nathaniel is known for his humor, camaraderie and outgoing nature. Nathaniel eagerly anticipates his upcoming trip to Italy, all while balancing his time between training, cardio workouts and his job at Goodwill Industries.

Teagan Lockwood

Athlete - Alpine Skiing
Fairbanks, AK

Teagan Lockwood, based in Fairbanks, Alaska, has been an active participant in Special Olympics since 2015, excelling in Alpine skiing and engaging in athletics, gymnastics, and starting golf in the summer of 2024. Despite injuries, including an ACL tear and ankle tendon injury, Teagan displays resilience and bravery, returning to skiing after surgeries and rehabilitation. Named the Special Olympics Alaska Female Athlete of the Year in 2021 and earning a varsity letter in cheerleading, she demonstrates her commitment to excellence.

Outside of sports, Teagan is an accomplished dancer, having performed internationally and at renowned venues like Disneyland and Universal Studios. Inspired by Lindsey Vonn, she embodies traits of hard work, strength and self-belief. As she prepares to represent Alaska, the United States and her family at the Special Olympics World Winter Games, Teagan eagerly anticipates meeting new friends and showcasing her skills while staying active through skiing, dancing, biking and gym workouts.

Sulynnette Vega-Ledesma

Athlete - Snowboarding
Anchorage, AK

Sulynnette Vega-Ledesma, from Anchorage, Alaska, has been an active Special Olympics athlete, initially volunteering before finding her passion for snowboarding and later excelling in figure skating, athletics and swimming. Through her involvement with Special Olympics, she’s embraced leadership roles, built confidence in public speaking and become a Health Messenger, stepping out of her comfort zone to share her experiences.

Balancing her sports achievements with academic honors, Sulynnette is a proud recipient of various awards, including those from the University of Alaska Anchorage and Special Olympics. Outside of sports and studies, she enjoys crocheting, drawing, dancing, reading and watching fashion shows. Grateful for her supportive family, Sulynnette finds strength and inspiration from her mom, dad, brothers and sister, as she prepares to represent the United States at the Special Olympics World Winter Games. Sulynnette looks forward to showcasing her skills on the world stage!

Jason Kohler
Head Coach - Alpine Skiing

Jason Kohler of Anchorage, Alaska, has coached Special Olympics Alaska athletes in Alpine skiing for 18 years. Coaching Special Olympics has changed his life, learning the true value of community. His community will grow, as he serves as an Alpine skiing coach in the Special Olympics World Winter Games Turin 2025.

For the past eight years, he has served as the Alpine skiing and snowboarding commissioner for Special Olympics. He is also an active member of the Special Olympics Alaska Board of Directors.

He greatly admires his two daughters, Madison and Kinley, for their love of ballet. Jason also takes great pride in his wife, who is an awesome leader and role model for their daughters. A firefighter for the Anchorage Fire Department, his second job is photography. In preparation for the Special Olympics World Winter Games, he plans to set goals and objectives, striving for the next level.

Eddie Eccker
Assistant Coach - Snowboarding

Eddie Eccker of Anchorage, Alaska, has been involved with Special Olympics for two years as a staff member and coach with Special Olympics Alaska. He will bring his knowledge of the slopes to support Special Olympics USA as a coach for snowboarding.

Eddie says that Special Olympics has granted him the opportunity to work and volunteer with an organization that makes a difference. He is driven and inspired by his family, including his daughter, and says that he is most proud to watch her grow and learn from the world around her.

An avid outdoor sports enthusiast, Eddie was previously sponsored as a snowboarder and is a certified personal trainer. He looks forward to representing his country alongside his team of athletes who have worked so hard for the opportunity to compete at the Special Olympics World Winter Games Turin 2025.

 

Thank you to our sponsors!

For more information:

Please contact VP/COO Emily Tymick

emily@specialolympicsalaska.org

907-222-7625 (ext 608)

FOR MORE INFORMATION

Emily Tymick, Vice President/COO

3200 Mountain View Dr.Anchorage, AK 99501
emily@specialolympicsalaska.org
1-888-499-7625 (toll free in Alaska)
1-907-222-7625 (ext 608)
1-907-222-6200 (fax)