Usha Vance to Lead U.S. Delegation to 2025 Special Olympics World Winter Games in Italy
The Office of President Donald Trump has announced that U.S. Second Lady Usha Vance will head the presidential delegation to Italy for the 2025 Special Olympics World Winter Games. The Games are scheduled to take place in Turin, Italy, and the opening ceremony is slated for Friday.
Usha Vance, a lawyer by profession, has been married to Vice President JD Vance since 2014. Together, they have three children. Her selection to lead the delegation underscores the importance the Trump administration places on the Special Olympics and its mission of promoting inclusion and celebrating the abilities of individuals with intellectual disabilities.
The delegation’s presence at the Games will serve as a symbol of U.S. support for the athletes, their families, and the global Special Olympics movement. It also highlights the United States’ commitment to fostering international cooperation and understanding through sports.
Beyond Usha Vance’s leadership, the presidential delegation includes a diverse group of individuals representing various sectors of American society. Among them are:
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Shawn Crowley: Serving as Chargé d’Affaires a.i. at the U.S. Embassy to Italy and San Marino, Crowley brings a wealth of diplomatic experience to the delegation. Her presence ensures smooth communication and coordination between the U.S. and Italian governments during the Games.
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T.H. Trent Michael Morse: As Deputy Assistant to the President and Deputy Director of Presidential Personnel, Morse plays a crucial role in ensuring the delegation’s operations run efficiently and effectively. His expertise in presidential affairs will be invaluable in representing the U.S. government at the Games.
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Riley M. Barnes: As a Senior Bureau Official of the Bureau of Democracy, Human Rights, and Labor at the U.S. Department of State, Barnes brings a focus on human rights and inclusivity to the delegation. Her presence underscores the U.S. commitment to promoting the rights and well-being of individuals with intellectual disabilities worldwide.
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Douglass Benning: As Consul General at the U.S. Consulate in Milan, Italy, Benning provides on-the-ground support and expertise to the delegation. His knowledge of the local context and his connections within the Italian community will be invaluable in ensuring the delegation’s success.
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Rachel Campos-Duffy: A co-host of "Fox & Friends Weekend" and the wife of U.S. Secretary of Transportation Sean Duffy, Campos-Duffy brings a media presence and a personal connection to the delegation. Her involvement is likely to draw further attention to the Games and the athletes participating.
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Boris Epshteyn: As Senior Counsel and Senior Advisor to President Donald Trump, Epshteyn brings legal and political expertise to the delegation. His presence underscores the importance the White House places on the Special Olympics and its mission.
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Richard Walters: A Partner at FGS Global, Walters brings expertise in government relations and strategic communications to the delegation. His presence is likely to facilitate effective communication and engagement with stakeholders during the Games.
The inclusion of these individuals from various backgrounds demonstrates a broad commitment to the Special Olympics mission across different sectors of American society. Their collective expertise and experience will be invaluable in ensuring the delegation’s success in representing the U.S. at the Games.
The announcement of the delegation comes at a time when issues related to sports and inclusion are at the forefront of public discourse. The article also mentions Payton McNabb, a former high school volleyball player who sat next to Usha Vance during President Trump’s address to a joint session of Congress.
McNabb expressed her disappointment that Trump’s executive order on transgender athletes’ participation in women’s and girls’ sports was not codified into law by the Senate. She also criticized the Democratic Party for what she perceived as a lack of respect towards guests attending the joint session, including those with compelling stories such as a young cancer survivor and the family of Laken Riley, who suffered a tragic death.
McNabb’s presence at the joint session and her subsequent comments highlight the ongoing debate surrounding transgender athletes and the broader issue of inclusion in sports. Her perspective adds another layer to the discussion surrounding the Special Olympics and its mission of promoting inclusivity for individuals with intellectual disabilities.
The 2025 Special Olympics World Winter Games in Turin, Italy, are expected to draw thousands of athletes from around the world, competing in a variety of winter sports. The Games provide a platform for athletes with intellectual disabilities to showcase their talents, build friendships, and experience the joy of competition.
The U.S. delegation, led by Usha Vance, will play a vital role in supporting the athletes, promoting the Special Olympics mission, and fostering international goodwill during the Games. Their presence will serve as a reminder of the importance of inclusivity, acceptance, and celebrating the abilities of all individuals, regardless of their intellectual disabilities.
