Edcouch-Elsa ISD Alumna Liz Salinas Heads to New York City for Special Olympics Send-Off Before Competing in Italy
Edcouch-Elsa ISD Alumna Liz Salinas Heads to New York City for Special Olympics Send-Off Before Competing in Italy
March 3, 2025 – Edcouch-Elsa ISD proudly celebrates the incredible journey of Elizabeth “Liz” Salinas as she embarks on the final stretch of her path to the Special Olympics World Games in Turin, Italy! Liz, a Class of 2001 graduate of Edcouch-Elsa High School, has been training and competing as a goalie for Special Olympics USA’s Floorball team. Now, she is headed to San Antonio before making her way to New York City for an official send-off, where she will have the honor of delivering a speech.
“I’m excited for the send-off because I get to do a speech in New York City,” Liz shared. “I’m speaking about how the sport of Floorball and being a goalie has shaped me—how it has pushed me outside of my comfort zone, given me the opportunity to travel, meet new people, and take on challenges that have made me stronger.”
With determination and pride, Liz added, “We will fight to defend our USA Gold, and if we bring it home—great! But if we don’t, let us be brave in the attempt.”
A Historic Moment
Liz’s participation in the 2025 Special Olympics World Games is a historic first for the Rio Grande Valley in the sport of Traditional Floorball. The largest sports and humanitarian event in the world will take place in Turin, Italy, featuring over 1,500 athletes from 102 delegations competing in 8 sports. Liz will take the stage at Inalpi Arena, where she will proudly represent Edcouch-Elsa ISD, the City of Pharr, My Morning Star Adult Day Care, the Rio Grande Valley, the state of Texas, and the United States.
What is Floorball?
Floorball is a fast-paced indoor sport similar to ice hockey but played on solid ground with a lightweight, perforated ball and plastic sticks. It is a growing international sport that has made its mark within the Special Olympics.
Basic Rules of Floorball:
Teams: Each team consists of three field players and a goalkeeper.
Playing Field: The game is played on a smaller, enclosed field with raised borders.
Duration: Matches typically consist of two 15-minute halves.
Scoring: Players aim to score by sending the ball into the opponent’s goal.
More Than a Competition
The Special Olympics movement is not only about competition—it champions core values of:
Inclusion – Providing opportunities for athletes of all ability levels.
Respect – Fostering respect for teammates, opponents, and the game.
Determination – Encouraging athletes to overcome obstacles and grow.
Joy – Celebrating every victory, big or small, on and off the field.
Watch Liz & Team USA Compete
Fans around the world will have the opportunity to watch live coverage of the 2025 Special Olympics World Winter Games through major broadcasters, including ESPN, InSport, Sky Germany, and Shanghai TV.
📅 Floorball Competition Dates: March 10-14, 2025
📺 Live Coverage & Streaming: Turin 2025 Special Olympics Live Coverage
EEISD invites the entire community to cheer on Liz Salinas as she takes on the world stage in Italy. Her journey is an inspiration to students, athletes, and the Rio Grande Valley as a whole.
“Let’s rally behind Liz as she represents our district, our region, and our country! Liz is a testament to the power of perseverance and belief. She proves that when you chase your dreams with heart and determination, barriers turn into stepping stones, and the impossible becomes reality,” Dr. Jesse Fidelio Garza, Public Relations Administrator shared.
The Special Olympics USA officially introduced its athletes and coaches six months ago and can be viewed on YouTube under "Special Olympics USA Delegation Announcement Turin 2025.
