One of our fantastic volunteers at Bridge Community Farm, is competing in the Special Olympics World Winter Games in Italy this month!
Matthew Evans had been volunteering at Bridge Farm since before the pandemic, and was one of the first to join our new volunteer group when Autism Together took over management of the Bridge Farm site. Matthew enjoys his role working on the land and handling a range of jobs, from strimming and mowing, to sawing wood and digging.
A keen sportsperson since he was young, Matthew – who has learning difficulties – was encouraged to take up skiing at age 13, as mum Sue explains: “It was actually an educational psychologist who suggested skiing might be good for Matthew, from the point of cognitive and motor skills development. He’s actually been with Rossendale Special Ski Club for about the last 12 years.”
Having taken part in the UK national tournament last year, Matthew has now been chosen to represent his country at the World Winter Games 2025, where he will be competing in three tournaments: Slalom, Giant Slalom, and Super-G.
He said: “I am excited about going to the World Games. I’m flying to Turin in Italy… I’m hoping to get a medal.”
Matthew explained that he is confident in doing well in his events, having gone very close to a big win at the Nationals last year. Mum Sue continued: “Yes, as long as you ski well and don’t miss any gates. Last year at the Nationals he missed a gate. If he hadn’t have missed a gate he was on for gold.”
Special Olympics competitions differ from the Paralympics in a number of ways. Special Olympics is solely for athletes with intellectual disabilities, while Paralympics focus more on physical disabilities. They are also run by two separate organisations, both recognised by the International Olympic Committee (IOC).
Sue explained that the events are divisioned, with athletes placed alongside others in the same skill class when competing for a medal. So, within the games, people compete purely on their sporting ability. “It doesn’t matter what their disability is,” says Sue. “It depends on how they ski as to which division they’re going to go into, so, how fast they can get there.”
Matthew jetted off to Italy on Thursday, 6th March, ahead of the opening ceremony on Saturday 8th.
Sue explains: “The competition will start the following week. They’ll do divisioning on the Sunday, Monday, or even Tuesday, and then they’ll compete on Wednesday, Thursday, Friday. Two people from the BBC are going to come out, so they’ll probably do some coverage of the five days.”
If you want to watch some of the events live, there will be online coverage throughout the competition days, available via ESPN on the Special Olympics World Winter Games website.
Sue said: “The opportunity to actually go is fantastic for him. It’s the camaraderie between all the athletes. They all look after each other, they all look out for each other, they all cheer each other on. It is a fantastic atmosphere. And I will be there, cheering him on.”
Mike Hughes (pictured below with Matthew), an Activity Manager at Bridge Farm, looks after our volunteers at the site. He said: “Matt, I’m sure you’ll do well, because if you show any of the dedication and the hard work that you show here, you’re a winner!”
Congratulations on getting to the games, Matt, from everyone at Autism Together. Best of luck on grabbing a skiing medal this month in Turin.
Find out all about the Special Olympics World Winter Games at the dedicated website.
