Picture by ANDREA PATTARO/AFP
Ugo Valentini’s journey as an athlete has been formed by his love for a wide range of sports activities. From swimming and climbing to horseback driving and rafting, his enthusiasm for making an attempt new actions has broadened his abilities and enriched his life.
“Sport is prime for me. I’ve tried lots of them, even soccer and desk tennis with my dad. I grew up with sports activities and so they have at all times made me really feel nice, lots of feelings, and it is good to share experiences with mates.”
Tennis, specifically, stays a major ardour for Ugo. However the 32-year-old has now shifted his focus into snowboarding as he gears as much as signify Italy on the Particular Olympics World Winter Video games Turin 2025. That is the primary World Winter Video games ever to happen in Ugo’s house nation. It will likely be the world’s largest sports activities and humanitarian occasion of 2025 with over 1,500 athletes representing greater than 100 nations gathering to compete.
Ugo’s story is a part of the ‘Have fun the Distinctive’ marketing campaign, supported by Toyota Motor Europe and UPS, a visible and narrative undertaking designed to highlight eight distinctive Particular Olympics winter athletes representing their nations on the World Winter Video games Turin 2025.
From Skis to Snowboards: A New Problem
Ugo’s introduction to snowboarding got here by way of an opportunity encounter with mates who invited him to attempt the game. “I had already been snowboarding, however snowboarding gave me a special feeling,” he recalled. With classes from a talented teacher and help from the SportAbili Affiliation, Ugo rapidly developed his approach and found a deeper connection to the board.
In preparation for Turin 2025, Ugo trains weekly on the slopes of Castelir di Bellamonte, perfecting his turns and mastering slalom programs underneath the steering of skilled coaches. “I’m wanting ahead to the expertise. Now that the snow has arrived, every Monday I am going snowboarding for 2 hours with the trainer,” mentioned Ugo, who each morning works at a restaurant referred to as ‘Lodge Crepes de Sela’ in his hometown of Campestrin Mazzin.
His previous successes, together with quite a few medals in nationwide competitions, gas his dedication to carry out at his finest on the worldwide stage.
“I’m motivated as a result of I’ve participated in lots of nationwide video games, amassing medal after medal, nearly all gold.”
Picture by ANDREA PATTARO/AFP
Balancing Coaching with Driving Classes
Ugo’s pursuit of independence extends past the slopes and courts as he works laborious to move his driving idea check. Twice per week, he attends driving college classes and practices quizzes at house, decided to realize his aim.
“The quizzes are a bit tough,” he admitted. “I nonetheless make eight errors, however I’m enhancing. Slowly, I’ll handle.”
For Ugo, having a automobile would imply extra than simply comfort—it will open up alternatives to attach with mates, attend coaching periods, and journey to competitions with higher ease. “It’s good dwelling within the mountains, however with a automobile, I may transfer round extra freely,” he mentioned.
“I would prefer to go to the Particular Olympics World Video games with my automobile someday. Possibly with a pleasant purple and white Panda Cross, which is my favorite automobile.”
“Nonetheless, in the event that they advised me to decide on between my driving license or a gold medal, I’d select the medal.”
Turin 2025 and Past
His versatility as an athlete is matched by his selflessness off the sphere. By means of SportAbili, Ugo helps different individuals with disabilities, lending a hand throughout journeys and occasions. “I’m comfortable once I could make myself helpful,” he mentioned. “Because of my staff and to Particular Olympics, thankfully alternatives to socialize do come up. And I do not allow them to get away.”
“Sport brings individuals collectively, and I’ve constructed so many friendships by way of it.”
The snowboard competitors will happen between 11 and 15 March on the Melezet Space Slopes 23 in Bardonecchia, Italy.
The Particular Olympics World Winter Video games Turin 2025 might be held in Italy from 8-15 March, with over 1,500 athletes from greater than 100 nations competing throughout eight sports activities: alpine snowboarding, cross-country snowboarding, DanceSport, determine skating, floorball, quick observe pace skating, snowboard, snowshoeing.
