Dublin, Ireland- 25 May, 2021: As part of a global mission to build inclusive communities for all, Special Olympics Europe Eurasia has announced a two-year agreement with The UPS Foundation to support Special Olympics inclusive programming and grass-roots activities. The new collaboration will see UPS staff support Special Olympics athletes, coaches and families, by teaming up locally to showcase the importance of inclusion in an ever-changing marketplace. The first phase of the partnership will feature activity in Belgium, Luxembourg, the Netherlands, Germany and France.
Special Olympics is a global movement for the inclusion of children and adults with intellectual disabilities. It focuses on the power of sport and related health and educational activities. It aims to create inclusive communities around the world, where every person is accepted and welcomed, regardless of ability. With over six million athletes across over 190 countries, the organisation is supported by one million coaches and volunteers. In Europe Eurasia, Special Olympics is active in 58 countries and engages over 500,000 participating athletes.
UPS, the world’s largest package delivery company, has more than 540,000 employees connecting more than 220 nations and territories. The UPS Foundation, which was established in 1951, is committed to building safer, more resilient, and inclusive communities around the world.
As part of a community development design and harnessing the power of over 50,000 UPS employees across Europe, this unique regional partnership model between Special Olympics and The UPS Foundation will enable UPS employees and Special Olympics athletes to come together and create inclusive sports programming, family support activities, and a shared focus on strengthening local communities across Europe. Special Olympics Europe Eurasia and The UPS Foundation are committed to impacting the lives of a minimum of 5,000 athletes throughout the partnership term, as well as engaging an ever-growing list of interested UPS employees keen to join the effort.
“Special Olympics is honoured to team up with The UPS Foundation to deepen our impact on inclusion through sport throughout the region. At a time when division, separation, and social isolation dominate the airwaves in the political, economic, and social domains, the new partnership between Special Olympics Europe Eurasia and The UPS Foundation can serve as a counter-model. Together, we can serve as a beacon of hope and opportunity for individuals of all abilities during these trying times. We look forward to amplifying the voices of Special Olympics athletes to highlight the urgency of social inclusion, and we extend our deep gratitude to The UPS Foundation for their belief in our athletes, their example, and their message to the world.”
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, LinkedInand our blog on Medium. Learn more at www.SpecialOlympics.org.
