Tommy Sliva, Duncan Myers Selected to World Winter Games

Indianapolis resident Tommy Sliva will travel to Italy next year to participate in the Special Olympics World Winter Games Turin 2025. He will be joined by his coach Duncan Myers of Elnora, Ind.

Sliva is a member of the Special Olympics Indiana Marion County Northeast program. He will compete in Alpine skiing, one of eight sports featured at the event. More than 100 countries are expected to send athletes.

Special Olympics Indiana nominated Sliva earlier this year for the U.S. trials in Salt Lake City, which are a mix of sport training, health education and bonding for the athletes.

Sliva has been involved with Special Olympics for 22 years, competing in Alpine skiing, track and field, basketball, soccer and swimming. He is one of 101 athletes and Unified partners, 32 coaches and 27 delegation members selected for the trip. Athletes will compete in Alpine skiing, cross country skiing, DanceSport, figure skating, floorball, snowboarding and speedskating.

Myers has been involved with Special Olympics for more than 35 years. He will represent Special Olympics USA as an Alpine skiing coach. Myers served as the Special Olympics Indiana volunteer competitions director for 32 years and has been involved as a Unified partner since 1997. He has been a professional ski instructor for 34 years, specializing in adaptive teaching.

“Attending World Games is a once-in-a-lifetime opportunity for these athletes and Unified partners and is the culmination of years of hard work, determination and commitment,” said Brock Banos, head of delegation for Special Olympics USA. “In addition to competing on the world stage, they will experience new cultures, creating countless memories and lifelong friendships. Take pride in knowing that each member of our delegation will represent our country with excellence and honor.” 

Sliva works at Community Health Network Hospital in the material management department. He also participates in the Barrier-Free Theatre, an inclusive theater company for adults with intellectual disabilities.

ESPN’s television networks and digital platforms will bring extensive coverage to sports fans and supporters of the Special Olympics movement around the world. As the official global broadcast partner of Special Olympics, ESPN will deliver live and recorded highlights on its family of TV channels, the ESPN+ streaming service, ESPN3, ESPN.com and the ESPN app.

Bank of America is the Premier Sponsor of Special Olympics USA. Champion is the Official Supplier and Supporter of Special Olympics USA. MTM is a Recognition Partner of Special Olympics USA.

To follow Special Olympics USA, visit www.specialolympicsusa.org, join the email list, and follow on Facebook.  Hashtag: #Cheer4USA

Special Olympics hosts international Summer Games and Winter Games every four years. The next Summer Games is 2027 in Santiago, Chile.