Figure Skater Matthew Lai’s Joyful Presence Makes Him a Fan Favourite at the Special Olympics World Winter Games

Matthew Lai doesn’t just light up the ice with his skating—he lights up the entire arena with his smile. Whether he’s performing a passionate routine or chatting with fellow athletes, his joy is contagious, his enthusiasm boundless. Among the thousands of athletes, coaches, and volunteers at the Special Olympics World Winter Games, one name seemed to come up again and again: 

“Oh, you’re from Canada? I love your figure skater Matthew Lai! He gave me the biggest smile!”

From stewardesses on the flight over to spectators in the stands, from fellow competitors to volunteers on the ground, Matthew has made an unforgettable impression. His warmth and energy make him not only one of Canada’s most elite Special Olympics figure skaters but also one of its greatest ambassadors.

And, of course, there was his performance on the ice.

At the Special Olympics World Winter Games Turin, Matthew delivered a stunning routine, captivating the audience and earning a well-deserved bronze medal in the men’s singles Level 3, Division 2 competition. As he took his final bow, the crowd erupted into a standing ovation—a moment made even more special when Matthew did something uniquely him.

In figure skating, it’s tradition for fans to throw stuffed animals onto the ice after a performance, a custom that evolved from the days when bouquets were tossed in celebration. At first, flowers were the go-to tribute, but concerns over broken stems and stray staples led fans to find a safer way to show their love. Now, the ice is showered with plush toys of all shapes and sizes, a heartwarming display at the sport’s biggest stages—including Special Olympics.

For Matthew, this might just be his favourite part of the sport.

Instead of letting the ice sweepers collect the gifts, Matthew insisted on gathering them up himself. With his trademark grin, he scooped up each stuffed animal, then, to the delight of the roaring crowd, theatrically kissed them and held them high above his head in triumph. It was a moment that summed up everything that defines him—not just his skill, but his kindness, his joy, and his deep appreciation for the people cheering him on.

Skating and smiling may come naturally to Matthew now, but that wasn’t always the case. When he first stepped onto the ice, fear held him back. He watched others skate for a long time before mustering the courage to try himself. But with the guidance of a patient coach and a step-by-step approach, he learned to balance, then glide, then thrive. That first hesitant push off the ice led to a journey spanning over two decades. Since joining Special Olympics in 1998, Matthew has travelled the world, competed at the highest level, and, most importantly, made lifelong friends. Through Special Olympics, he found his confidence, his independence, and a global community that celebrates him for exactly who he is.

Matthew’s passion for figure skating goes beyond competition. While he thrives on the excitement of performing, what truly inspires him is the chance to learn, to connect, and to share his love of sport with others. Every Games is an opportunity to meet fellow athletes, exchange experiences, and grow—both on and off the ice. He wants the world to see what athletes with intellectual and developmental disabilities are capable of. 

We can achieve our goals if we know how and work hard on them,” he says. It’s a message he carries with him every time he competes, and one that he embodies with every interaction, every wave, every beaming smile.

For anyone considering Special Olympics, Matthew has an encouraging message: “It is fun to try different games and we can make friends. You never know how far you can extend your potential and how well you can make it.” .

For Matthew Lai, that potential has taken him around the world, to podiums, to unforgettable performances, and to countless new friendships. And through it all—no matter the competition, no matter the moment—one thing never changes.

That signature, unstoppable, winning smile.