(WJAR) — Special Olympics Rhode Island on Tuesday held a sendoff event for athletes competing at the 2025 World Winter Games in Italy.
The three athletes—Kayla Edgar of Westerly, Brianna Puglia of Narragansett, and Ian Shepherd of Newport—were surrounded by friends, family and supporters before they left on their journey.
These athletes are representing Special Olympics USA, with Edgar and Puglia completing in snowshoeing and Shepherd in alpine skiing.
“This is an incredible day. We’re here celebrating three of our inspiring athletes,” President and CEO of Special Olympics Rhode Island Ed Pacheco said. “These athletes are one of 3,000 athletes that are going to be representing over 50 countries competing in winter sports in Turin, Italy.”
The games will be held from March 8 to 16.
The send-off event included a lunch where the three athletes shared their excitement about competing in the world stage.
The athletes were also escorted by police as they headed to the airport.