Usha Vance, the second lady of the United States, has been chosen to lead the presidential delegation to the 2025 Special Olympics World Winter Games in Turin, Italy. She is a lawyer and the wife of Vice President JD Vance, with whom she has three children. The opening ceremony of the Games is scheduled for Friday, and Vance will be representing the United States at the event.
During President Donald Trump’s address to a joint session of Congress, Usha Vance was seated next to former high school volleyball player Payton McNabb. McNabb expressed disappointment that Trump’s executive order regarding transgender athletes in women’s and girls’ sports was not made into law by the Senate. She also noted the lack of respect shown by some members of the Democrat Party during the event, who did not stand up for various guests with powerful stories.
In addition to Usha Vance, the presidential delegation to Italy for the Special Olympics World Winter Games includes individuals such as Shawn Crowley, who is the Chargé d’Affaires a.i. at the U.S. Embassy to Italy and San Marino, as well as T.H. Trent Michael Morse, Rachel Campos-Duffy, Boris Epshteyn, and others. These individuals will join Vance in representing the United States at the Games and participating in various events and activities in Turin.
The announcement of Usha Vance leading the presidential delegation comes as a report indicates that the U.S. travel system may not be adequately prepared for the influx of fans expected to attend major sporting events in the coming years. This raises concerns about the capacity of the travel infrastructure to accommodate large crowds and the potential impact on transportation and logistics for such events.
Despite challenges in the U.S. travel system, the delegation led by Usha Vance is set to participate in the Special Olympics World Winter Games and showcase American support for athletes with intellectual disabilities. The delegation will have the opportunity to engage with participants from around the world, promote inclusivity and diversity in sports, and strengthen diplomatic ties with Italy through their representation at the event.
Overall, Usha Vance’s leadership of the presidential delegation to the Special Olympics World Winter Games demonstrates the United States’ commitment to supporting and celebrating athletes with intellectual disabilities on the global stage. As the delegation travels to Turin, Italy, they will represent the diversity and inclusivity of American sportsmanship and engage with international partners to promote unity and goodwill through the power of sports.
