Partner Profile: Special Olympics Canada

Special Olympics Canada is dedicated to enriching the lives of Canadians with an intellectual disability through the transformative power and joy of sport. Operating in 12 provinces and territories across Canada, Special Olympics programs cater to all ages and a wide range of abilities. Special Olympics is more than an event, not only providing an introduction to sport and physical activity through world-class grassroots sport programming, but also the opportunity to participate in competitions. From two-year-olds to mature adults, more than 40,000 athletes with an intellectual disability are registered in Special Olympics year-round daily programs across Canada. They are supported by more than 19,000 volunteers, including more than 14,000 trained coaches. Special Olympics is a catalyst for social change, instilling confidence, self-esteem and other life skills in athletes with an intellectual disability; contributing to healthier athletes with life-long physical fitness habits; changing attitudes and creating a more inclusive society and strengthening communities across Canada. 

As a founding global partner of Special Olympics since 1968, Coca-Cola is proud of the role it has played to help foster acceptance and inclusion for millions of Special Olympics athletes across the globe. Through our annual support in the form of cash, in-kind product, awareness and integration into events, Coca-Cola Canada and its brands are helping Special Olympics athletes across Canada embrace the champion within, to realize their full potential. The shared values of optimism, acceptance and inclusion highlights the natural partnership between Special Olympics Canada and Coca-Cola Canada.