The Flame of Hope, the iconic symbol of the Special Olympics World Winter Games, has arrived in Italy, marking a powerful moment for inclusion and global unity.
The torch, which represents the spirit of athletes with and without intellectual disabilities, landed at Rome Fiumicino Airport aboard ITA Airways flight AZ721 from Athens. The journey is just the beginning of its path toward Torino 2025, where the Games will take place from March 8 to 15, 2025.
The Special Olympics movement has long championed sports as a platform for equality, creating a world where all individuals, regardless of ability, are welcomed and valued. The arrival of the Flame of Hope in Rome reinforces this mission, igniting inspiration before it continues its journey to Turin, where thousands of athletes will come together to compete.
A Warm Welcome at Fiumicino Airport
The torch’s arrival was met with a distinguished reception at Leonardo da Vinci Airport, attended by key Italian leaders and aviation officials. Among those present were Tourism Minister Daniela Santanchè, Minister for Sport and Youth Andrea Abodi, ITA Airways Chairman Sandro Pappalardo, Aeroporti di Roma Chairman Vincenzo Nunziata, and Mayor of Fiumicino Mario Baccini.
Passengers onboard the flight carrying the flame included Piedmont Region President Alberto Cirio, Turin’s Mayor Stefano Lo Russo, and Patrizia Sandretto Re Rebaudengo, President of the Local Organizing Committee for Torino 2025. Their presence highlighted the deep significance of this moment, as Italy prepares to host an event that goes beyond competition—it is a celebration of human potential and resilience.
A Flight with a Purpose
The journey of the Flame of Hope is symbolic, but the method of transport is just as meaningful. ITA Airways, the official carrier of the torch, proudly emphasized its role in supporting the Special Olympics and promoting social sustainability.
“We are very proud to support the Special Olympics by carrying the Flame of Hope on board our aircraft, a symbol of inclusivity and social sustainability,” said Sandro Pappalardo, Chairman of ITA Airways.
“Sustainability is a pillar of ITA Airways’ Industrial Plan, and we promote it in all its forms—natural sustainability, corporate responsibility, and social sustainability—by fostering an inclusive culture with actions that support the entire community.”
His words echo the airline’s commitment to making a difference beyond aviation, proving that travel can be a bridge between people, cultures, and ideas.
More Than a Destination—A Journey of Unity
For Aeroporti di Roma Chairman Vincenzo Nunziata, Fiumicino Airport represents more than a transit hub—it’s a place where stories, values, and cultures meet.
“This competition perfectly embodies the values of openness and inclusion that are in our DNA and reflect our daily commitment to making our airports increasingly accessible, in line with international protocols,” said Nunziata.
“For years, we have been investing in barrier-free airport experiences, with cutting-edge infrastructure and innovative services designed to meet the needs of all travelers.”
The arrival of the Flame of Hope at one of Europe’s busiest airports is a powerful reminder that accessibility and inclusion should be at the heart of travel and tourism.
The Torch’s Universal Message
As the Flame of Hope continues its journey toward Turin, its significance transcends sport. Patrizia Sandretto Re Rebaudengo, who leads the Torino 2025 Local Organizing Committee, reflected on its deeper meaning.
“A French writer and explorer, Alexandra David-Néel, once said: ‘Those who travel without encountering others do not travel; they merely move.’ This is the metaphor of this torch—its purpose is not the destination but the journey and the encounters along the way. I look at this torch, and I hear all the languages of the world. I understand them all because this flame, speaking a universal language, represents a light of hope for a better future,” she said.
With these words, the Flame of Hope carries forward a message that is more relevant than ever: a world united by inclusion is a world worth striving for.
As it continues on its journey through Italy, all eyes will be on Torino 2025, where the Special Olympics World Winter Games will once again prove that sport has the power to inspire, unite, and uplift.
