Team Australia Announcement

Athletes with Intellectual Disability to Take World Stage

Special Olympics Australia is delighted to announce the team to represent Australia at the Special Olympics World Winter Games 2025.  

From 8-16 March 2025, the Special Olympics World Winter Games in Turin, Italy, will feature 1,500 athletes with intellectual disability/autism from 103 delegations.    

TEAM AUSTRALIA will consist of 12 athletes who will compete across two wintersport disciplines – Alpine skiing and snowboarding. The team will be supported by 8 volunteer coaches and officials. 

For most athletes this will be their debut at a World Winter Games, including our youngest competitor Addison Wadsworth (VIC). Addison will be just 17 years old when she competes in Alpine skiing in Italy. 

Addison says, “I'm excited and proud to be part of the Australian team. I really like Special Olympics because I get to meet new people and have fun. I especially like skiing and swimming.” 

On the other hand, Craig Muhlbock (NSW) is a World Games veteran, and he’s competed for Australia in both summer and winter sports.

Craig has represented Australia at two World Summer Games in football and this will be the third World Winter Games for this champion snowboarder. Craig has also competed in snowboarding at two X Games in Aspen, Colorado where he was partnered with Australian snowboarder and Winter Olympics bronze medallist, Scotty James. 

Craig says, “If I could do anything I wanted, I would snowboard and play soccer [football] all year-round.”  

Pierre Comis, Special Olympics Australia CEO says, "This year continues to be an exciting year of sport, and I’m delighted that the excitement will continue in 2025. Next year, 14 Special Olympics Australia athletes will get their time to shine on the world stage at the Special Olympics World Winter Games in Italy. I know they will wear the green and gold with pride, and they will show the world their determination and sporting talents.”

Pierre added, “Special Olympics Australia athletes are always prepared to be brave in the attempt. Right now, that involves training to be their best and fundraising to get to the Games. If you can help, please donate to the team.”  

Introducing Team Australia

Athletes 
Alex Cherny (VIC) 
Andrew Negrelli (VIC) 
Charlie Jones (VIC) 
Craig Muhlbock (NSW) 
India Biesse Fitton (VIC) 
Jaye Barnesby-Buie (WA) 
Lauren Kerjan (NSW) 
Mikaela Williams (VIC)
Reiss Hunter (NSW) 
Samantha Li (VIC) 
Steven Kildea (NSW) 
Trent Jones (NSW)   

Officials
Head of Delegation: Georgina Frost (VIC) 
Assistant Head of Delegation: Paula McCall (VIC) 
Head Coach: Mick Harris (NSW) 
Assistant Coach (snowboarding): James Costello (QLD) 
Assistant Coach: Peter Muhlbock (NSW) 
Assistant Coach: Sharyn Harris (NSW) 
Assistant Coach: Amanda Gannon (Jackson) (NSW) 
Medical: Jeroen Leenders (NSW) 

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About Special Olympics Australia  
Special Olympics Australia is part of a global community that brings sport, joy and inclusion to people with intellectual disability/autism. People of all ages and abilities are welcome to join, have fun, make friends and discover new skills, which may even lead them to representing Australia.

Find out more at www.specialolympics.com.au