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Beyond sporting performances, Lebanon's participation in the 2025 Special Olympics Winter Games is a strong symbol of inclusion and resilience. Two athletes, Abbas Salhab and Tsouline Badr el-Din, are proudly representing their country on the snow of Turin.
Lebanon did not merely participate in the 2025 Special Olympics Winter Games in Turin — its athletes left their mark on the competition. Abbas Salhab and Tsouline Badr el-Din, competing in the demanding discipline of snowshoeing, took a significant step forward by qualifying for the 200-meter finals.
A Unique Competition Dedicated to Inclusion
Unlike the Paralympic Games, which mainly involve athletes with physical disabilities, the Special Olympics are exclusively dedicated to athletes with intellectual disabilities. Created in 1968 by Eunice Kennedy Shriver, these Games are based on a fundamental principle: providing athletes with a fair and adapted competitive experience while promoting inclusion and dignity through sports.
Held every four years, alternating between summer and winter editions, the Games bring together thousands of athletes from around the world. Beyond the competition, they represent a true social movement aimed at breaking stereotypes and proving that talent, commitment and sportsmanship transcend all differences.
A Performance That Honors Lebanon
Arriving in Italy under the leadership of Mohammed Nasser, the Lebanese delegation demonstrated unwavering determination. Guided by coach Najat Said and physician Sally el-Sayed, the two athletes delivered promising performances during the qualifying rounds. Tsouline Badr el-Din clocked a time of 1:13.95, while Abbas Salhab completed his race in 1:41.29. These encouraging results secured them a spot in the finals.
Coach Najat Said expressed confidence in her athletes' chances of reaching new heights. "Motivation is at its peak, and we are intensifying training for the upcoming events," she stated.
A Symbol of Resilience and Inclusion
Beyond sporting achievement, this qualification embodies the spirit of resilience that defines Lebanon. Despite the crises the country is facing, its presence on the international stage is a reminder that sports can be a powerful vector of hope and unity.
Mohammed Nasser, founder of the Lebanese Special Olympics, emphasized the importance of this participation for Lebanon: "Being here shows that nothing can hinder our determination. Our athletes are living proof that effort and perseverance can overcome all obstacles."
As the Games continue in Turin until March 16, Salhab and Badr el-Din are preparing to compete in the 200-meter final. Regardless of the final results, their journey already represents a victory: one of self-improvement and inclusion through sports.
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