Windsor-Essex figure skater heading to Special Olympics World Winter Games in Italy

Breanna Williams, a 16-year-old figure skater from Windsor-Essex won gold at the Special Olympics Canada Winter Games. (Source: John McGivney Children's Centre/Facebook)

A 16-year-old figure skater from Windsor-Essex won gold at the Special Olympics Canada Winter Games to earn a trip to the world stage.

Breanna Williams was the only athlete from the region to qualify for the Canadian Special Olympics Team.

She won gold in her solo figure skating event at the Special Olympics Canada Winter Games in Calgary. With this victory, she has secured her place on Team Canada for the 2025 Special Olympics World Winter Games in Turin, Italy.

“Participating in sports with Special Olympic athletes and coaches teaches you to succeed in high-intensity situations. Self-discipline, teamwork, learning to work with others, mental toughness, handling fear and failure, and goal-setting are all skills I’ve learned through Special Olympics Canada. Dream big and anything is possible,” said Williams.

This was her first time competing at the national level. She has been skating since the age of four and is a long-time client of the John McGivney Children’s Centre (JMCC), which provides specialized rehabilitation and support services to children and youth in Windsor-Essex.

Special Olympics Team Canada will compete in five winter sports: short track speed skating, figure skating, cross-country skiing, alpine skiing, and snowshoeing. The 2025 Games will be held March 5-18 and hosted in two locations: Turin for snow sports and Grenoble for ice sports.

CEO of the John McGivney Children’s Centre Jennifer Jovanovski expressed her pride in Williams’ accomplishments.

“Breanna’s determination and passion for her sport are truly inspiring. Her success on the national stage highlights the importance of inclusive sports and the impact of organizations like Special Olympics Canada in empowering young athletes. We are incredibly proud of her achievement and look forward to seeing her represent Canada on the world stage,” said Jovanovski.