Athletes from Bonner Springs, Frankfort, Lawrence, Prairie Village, and Topeka compete in Italy
TURIN, ITALY – 15 MARCH 2025 – Five outstanding athletes from Kansas showcased their talents on the world stage at the Special Olympics World Winter Games Turin 2025, bringing home multiple medals and making their state proud. Competing against athletes from around the world, these individuals demonstrated incredible determination, sportsmanship, and perseverance on a large scale.
Kansas was well represented in both snowshoeing and alpine skiing. Lisa Elsener dominated in alpine skiing, securing a gold medal in the Super G event. In snowshoeing, Layne Warner had an impressive performance, earning a silver medal in the 200M and two bronze medals in the 100M and the 4x100M relay. Bekah Henderson also took the podium, winning bronze in the 50M race and fourth in the 25M. Meanwhile, Allison Schell competed fiercely in alpine skiing, finishing just shy of the podium in fourth place for the Super G and the Slalom. Brady Tanner gave a strong showing in snowshoeing, placing fourth in the 50M and the 25M.
“These athletes worked incredibly hard to prepare for Turin, and their performances were nothing short of inspiring,” said John Lair, CEO and President of Special Olympics Kansas. “Bringing home gold, silver, and bronze medals is an amazing accomplishment, but more than that, they showed the world the heart and determination of Special Olympics Kansas.”
The Special Olympics World Winter Games Turin 2025 brought together over 1,500 athletes from across the globe, competing in 8 different winter sports in Italy March 8-15. The Kansas delegation’s success highlights the strength and dedication of Special Olympics Kansas athletes and the impact of inclusive sports programs.
The athletes returned on March 17 to a warm welcome at the airport. Family, friends, and LETR officers stood waiting with signs for them when they got off the plane, congratulating them on their performance.
Awards:
Allison Schell: 4th in the Super G, 4th in the Slalom (alpine skiing)
Bekah Henderson: 3rd in the 50M, 4th in the 25M (snowshoeing)
Brady Tanner: 4th in the 50M, 4th in the 25M (snowshoeing)
Layne Warner: 2nd in the 200M, 3rd in the 100M, and 3rd in the 4x100M (snowshoeing)
Lisa Elsener: 1st in the Super G (alpine skiing)
Medal Count:
Gold: 1
Silver: 1
Bronze: 3
Full results for all events can be found here. For more information about the Special Olympics World Winter Games Turin 2025, visit the official Games Page. To learn more about the Kansas delegation, visit here.
To request an interview with an athlete or for any questions, please contact Ashley Pippin at pippina@soks.org. Please reference our language guidelines for use by anyone writing or speaking about people with intellectual disabilities to ensure that all people are portrayed with individuality and dignity. Please note this event is Special Olympics World Winter Games Turin 2025, not the Winter Special Olympics or the World Special Olympics.
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ABOUT SPECIAL OLYMPICS KANSAS
Special Olympics Kansas is dedicated to empowering individuals with intellectual disabilities to become physically fit, productive and respected members of society through sports competitions, health and nutrition programs and leadership development. Offering year-round initiatives to children and adults with intellectual disabilities, Special Olympics Kansas is a platform for acceptance and inclusion as well as one of the largest advocates for healthy lifestyles in the state – regardless of race, religion, ethnicity, or cultural differences.
It is our belief that participation in sports enables challenges and opportunities to be introduced to the participants, teaching them teamwork, decision making, leadership, goal-setting, perseverance, commitment and sportsmanship, while developing self-confidence, self-esteem, character, and integrity.
Find out more at www.soks.org. Reference our Media Kit.
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About the Law Enforcement Torch Run
The mission of the Law Enforcement Torch Run® for Special Olympics (LETR) is to increase awareness and raise resources for Special Olympics. The LETR has raised more than $1 billion since its inception in 1981 while increasing awareness for Special Olympics athletes and their accomplishments across the globe. Annually, more than 134,000 law enforcement members from 52 US programs, 12 Canadian Programs, 12 European/Eurasian Programs, 2 East Asian Programs, 9 Caribbean Programs, and 6 Oceania Programs dedicate their time and efforts to support their local Special Olympics programs and athletes.
Known as the Guardians of the Flame, law enforcement members and Special Olympics athletes carry the Flame of Hope into the Opening Ceremony of local competition and into Special Olympics State, Provincial, National, Regional, and World Games. More than 134,000 dedicated and compassionate law enforcement members across the world carry the Flame of Hope, symbolizing courage and celebration of diversity uniting communities around the globe.
The International Association of Chiefs of Police is the founding law enforcement organization of the Law Enforcement Torch Run for Special Olympics. Additional affiliates include Air Force Security Forces Association, Canadian Association of Chiefs of Police, FBI National Academy Associates, Fraternal Order of Police, International Association of Campus Law Enforcement Administrators, International Association of Directors of Law Enforcement Standards and Training, National Association of Attorneys General, Military Police Regimental Association, and National Association of Women in Law Enforcement Executives National Sheriffs Association. Engage with us on Facebook, Instagram, LinkedIn or Twitter. For more information visit www.letr.org.
