Special Olympics, the global inclusion movement dedicated to empowering people with intellectual disabilities through sport, and Gallagher, a global insurance brokerage, risk management and consulting services firm, are expanding their partnership to include five regional markets across the globe to help scale Special Olympics sport and coach development programming at the community level. The regional markets include Illinois, New York and Southern California in the United States, Ontario, Canada and Australia.
Launched in March 2020, the four-year global partnership is dedicated to improving and delivering highest quality of coach training and sports experiences that empower Special Olympics athletes with and without intellectual disabilities to face their future with confidence.
“Special Olympics New York is a symbol of hope, provides endless opportunities in authentic sports and, most importantly, has given me and my fellow athletes a place where we can prove that people with intellectual disabilities can work hard, train hard and be successful on and off the playing field,” said Kevin Brown, Special Olympics New York athlete. “I am grateful to Gallagher for their support of Special Olympics and helping us to create a more inclusive world.”
With nearly all in-person training and competition on hold due to COVID-19, Special Olympics and Gallagher have continued to find new ways to make an impact on the local level through virtual engagement and support. In New York, Gallagher employees tuned in to a virtual Lunch & Learn to hear from local leadership and the Special Olympics team about the partnership and different ways to get involved at the local level. Globally, Gallagher and Special Olympics are launching a content series that features Special Olympics athletes and Gallagher employees (former pro and semi-pro athletes) sharing valuable lessons learned in their sport that translate to leadership skills on and off the field of play.
“Gallagher is extremely proud to be teaming up with Special Olympics by delivering support in several local communities where we live and work, and will open the door for more people with intellectual disabilities to learn teamwork, improve their fitness, and develop confidence,” said Chris Mead, Gallagher Chief Marketing Officer. “Through our shared belief of acknowledging and respecting the abilities of one another, the partnership will help improve critical elements of Special Olympics programming and support coaches in their dedication to athletes within these local markets and around the world.”
Gallagher is the Official Sponsor of Special Olympics International Sport and Coach Programming, focused on the movement’s mission to deliver the highest quality of coach training and sport experience to nearly six million Special Olympics athletes with and without intellectual disabilities across the globe. Special Olympics New York is proud to recognize Gallagher as a Gold Level State sponsor and as the Official Insurance Broker of Sport and Coaching of Special Olympics New York.
About Special Olympics
Founded in 1968, Special Olympics is a global movement to end discrimination against people with intellectual disabilities. We foster acceptance of all people through the power of sport and programming in education, health, and leadership. With more than six million athletes and Unified Sports partners in over 190 countries and territories and more than one million coaches and volunteers, Special Olympics delivers more than 30 Olympic-type sports and over 100,000 games and competitions every year. Engage with us on: Twitter, Facebook, YouTube, Instagram, LinkedIn and our blog on Medium. Learn more at www.SpecialOlympics.org.
About Special Olympics New York
Celebrating its 50th anniversary, Special Olympics New York is the largest state chapter in the country, serving more than 67,000 athletes across New York with year-round sports training, athletic competition, and health screenings. The organization also partners with more than 220 schools statewide to offer Unified Sports. All Special Olympics New York programs are offered at no cost to athletes, their families or caregivers. For additional information about Special Olympics New York, to learn more about getting involved, or to make a donation, visit www.specialolympicsNY.org.
