Special Olympics’ Federico Correzzola: A Vigevanese Champion On and Off the Field
Photo by Associazione sportiva I Quadrifogli Onlus
DOHA, March 25, 2025 - The 1993-born Federico Correzzola’s journey with Special Olympics began in 2009, sparked by a simple invitation to watch a friend’s soccer match in his hometown of Vigevano, an Italian town with historic medieval ruins, has around 60 thousand residents and located in the region of Pavia, 30-km away from Milano, Italy. That day, as he stood by the field, he felt an undeniable connection to the sport and the Special Olympic athletes. A shiver ran down his spine, and before the day ended, he had already asked his father to sign him up. The very next day, he officially joined the movement that would change his life.
JOINING THE MOVEMENT From soccer to bowling, from snowshoeing to open-water swimming, Federico has embraced multiple sports under the Special Olympics banner. His dedication led him to represent Italy at the 2011 Special Olympics World Games in Athens, where he competed in bowling and proudly secured a fifth-place finish in the singles event, a third-place medal with his team, and a silver medal in doubles. Federico was the guest of a special interview with AIPS Media, which occurred in Hotel Sitea of Turin City, on the sidelines of the Turin 2025 Special Olympics World Winter Games, which went underway from 8-15 March 2025.
A VOICE FOR INCLUSION Beyond his achievements as an athlete, Federico has become an influential voice in the Special Olympics community. Now 31 years old, he is not just a competitor but a leader, serving as an ambassador and spokesperson for the Special Olympics International at meetings and international events. He holds a key role in his team, 'I Quadrifogli Onlus' Sports Association, and is a board member of Special Olympics Italy. Federico, delivered a great speech at the opening ceremony of Turin 2025 Special Olympics World Winter Games;
"Good evening, everyone. My name is Federico Correzzola, and I have been a Special Olympics athlete since I was 15 years old. Today, at 31, I serve as the Athlete Representative for my team. Even if I am not competing as an athlete in the World Games in Turin, I know exactly what it feels like, having had incredible experiences at the Special Olympics World Summer Games in Los Angeles, where I competed in swimming. Looking back, I see a boy who was withdrawn, bullied, and sought comfort in food. But thanks to sports and Special Olympics, my life has been transformed."
IMPACT OF THE GAMES In his speech, Federico has highlighted the impact of Special Olympics on te lives of a significant number of individuals with intellectual disabilities: "Today, I am proud to represent over 4 million athletes worldwide. This is the first time the World Games are being held in Italy - an incredible opportunity, not just as a sporting event, but as a cultural movement to showcase the potential of every individual and advocate for equal rights.
He further addressed the unifying power of the Games: "Through Unified Sports, I have learned that each of us is unique, but together, we can build something extraordinary. That is worth more than any medal. The world needs to understand that intellectual disabilities are nothing to fear - everyone has something valuable to contribute to society. All it takes is for people to respect our pace, and we will prove to be an incredible asset.
"It all comes down to opportunity. I was fortunate to have mine, but I know that many others around the world are still waiting for theirs, even in the workplace, where barriers and prejudices persist. I hope that these Games will help reveal the people behind every athlete - because sometimes, all it takes is a single opportunity to make the world a better place. Wishing you all a fantastic Games!"
SENSE OF RESPONSIBILTY Being a spokesperson carries a deep sense of responsibility for Federico. He actively visits schools to educate students about inclusion, bullying, and the transformative power of sports. Through personal experiences and inspirational stories, including that of Special Olympics icon Loretta Claiborne, he spreads a message of resilience and acceptance.
“Special Olympics helped me come out of my shell,” he shares during his interview with AIPS. “I went from being a boy who hid behind food to someone who now speaks in front of crowds, even the Pope.”
OVERCOMING ADVERSITY Federico’s path has not been without challenges. As a child, he faced relentless bullying due to his weight, enduring discrimination from elementary school through high school. He turned to food for comfort, retreating into himself. But the Special Olympics changed everything. The organization not only helped him lose over 40 kilograms, but also gave him a sense of belonging, confidence, and purpose.
"THE CHINA DREAM" As he continues his work in sports and advocacy, Federico dreams of moving to China one day, fascinated by its rich culture and lifestyle. In the meantime, he remains committed to his work, organizing events, supporting athletes, and working on projects that document the experiences of Special Olympics athletes. While his days of competing at the international level may be over - since Special Olympics prioritizes giving all athletes a chance - he has set his sights on becoming a swimming coach, his favourite sport. His father, who raised him as a single dad, has been a pillar of support throughout his journey, a role model who has encouraged him every step of the way.
OVERCOMING BULLYING Federico Correzzola’s story of transforming from a bullied child in school, both verbally and physically - reaching the point where bullies put a knife on his throat threatening his life - into a global advocate for inclusion, is a big testament to the life-changing impact of Special Olympics. Through determination, resilience, and an unyielding spirit - his journey continues, inspiring countless others to believe in their potential and embrace the power of sport.
JOINING THE MOVEMENT From soccer to bowling, from snowshoeing to open-water swimming, Federico has embraced multiple sports under the Special Olympics banner. His dedication led him to represent Italy at the 2011 Special Olympics World Games in Athens, where he competed in bowling and proudly secured a fifth-place finish in the singles event, a third-place medal with his team, and a silver medal in doubles. Federico was the guest of a special interview with AIPS Media, which occurred in Hotel Sitea of Turin City, on the sidelines of the Turin 2025 Special Olympics World Winter Games, which went underway from 8-15 March 2025.
A VOICE FOR INCLUSION Beyond his achievements as an athlete, Federico has become an influential voice in the Special Olympics community. Now 31 years old, he is not just a competitor but a leader, serving as an ambassador and spokesperson for the Special Olympics International at meetings and international events. He holds a key role in his team, 'I Quadrifogli Onlus' Sports Association, and is a board member of Special Olympics Italy. Federico, delivered a great speech at the opening ceremony of Turin 2025 Special Olympics World Winter Games;
"Good evening, everyone. My name is Federico Correzzola, and I have been a Special Olympics athlete since I was 15 years old. Today, at 31, I serve as the Athlete Representative for my team. Even if I am not competing as an athlete in the World Games in Turin, I know exactly what it feels like, having had incredible experiences at the Special Olympics World Summer Games in Los Angeles, where I competed in swimming. Looking back, I see a boy who was withdrawn, bullied, and sought comfort in food. But thanks to sports and Special Olympics, my life has been transformed."
IMPACT OF THE GAMES In his speech, Federico has highlighted the impact of Special Olympics on te lives of a significant number of individuals with intellectual disabilities: "Today, I am proud to represent over 4 million athletes worldwide. This is the first time the World Games are being held in Italy - an incredible opportunity, not just as a sporting event, but as a cultural movement to showcase the potential of every individual and advocate for equal rights.
He further addressed the unifying power of the Games: "Through Unified Sports, I have learned that each of us is unique, but together, we can build something extraordinary. That is worth more than any medal. The world needs to understand that intellectual disabilities are nothing to fear - everyone has something valuable to contribute to society. All it takes is for people to respect our pace, and we will prove to be an incredible asset.
"It all comes down to opportunity. I was fortunate to have mine, but I know that many others around the world are still waiting for theirs, even in the workplace, where barriers and prejudices persist. I hope that these Games will help reveal the people behind every athlete - because sometimes, all it takes is a single opportunity to make the world a better place. Wishing you all a fantastic Games!"
SENSE OF RESPONSIBILTY Being a spokesperson carries a deep sense of responsibility for Federico. He actively visits schools to educate students about inclusion, bullying, and the transformative power of sports. Through personal experiences and inspirational stories, including that of Special Olympics icon Loretta Claiborne, he spreads a message of resilience and acceptance.
“Special Olympics helped me come out of my shell,” he shares during his interview with AIPS. “I went from being a boy who hid behind food to someone who now speaks in front of crowds, even the Pope.”
OVERCOMING ADVERSITY Federico’s path has not been without challenges. As a child, he faced relentless bullying due to his weight, enduring discrimination from elementary school through high school. He turned to food for comfort, retreating into himself. But the Special Olympics changed everything. The organization not only helped him lose over 40 kilograms, but also gave him a sense of belonging, confidence, and purpose.
"THE CHINA DREAM" As he continues his work in sports and advocacy, Federico dreams of moving to China one day, fascinated by its rich culture and lifestyle. In the meantime, he remains committed to his work, organizing events, supporting athletes, and working on projects that document the experiences of Special Olympics athletes. While his days of competing at the international level may be over - since Special Olympics prioritizes giving all athletes a chance - he has set his sights on becoming a swimming coach, his favourite sport. His father, who raised him as a single dad, has been a pillar of support throughout his journey, a role model who has encouraged him every step of the way.
OVERCOMING BULLYING Federico Correzzola’s story of transforming from a bullied child in school, both verbally and physically - reaching the point where bullies put a knife on his throat threatening his life - into a global advocate for inclusion, is a big testament to the life-changing impact of Special Olympics. Through determination, resilience, and an unyielding spirit - his journey continues, inspiring countless others to believe in their potential and embrace the power of sport.
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