Gallagher and Special Olympics announce partnership committed to inclusion

Gallagher has formed a partnership with Special Olympics International — the world's largest sports organisation for children and adults with intellectual and physical disabilities.

It is our mission to empower people and communities to help them face their future with confidence and it is this mission that makes the partnership with the Special Olympics meaningful.

Gallagher Australia CEO, Sarah Lyons, and Head of Sport, Steve van Leeuwen, met with representatives from Special Olympics Australia last week to launch the local partnership.

In Australia, the two organisations will work together on a range of initiatives, including: work on International Day of People with Disability and Global Week of Inclusion, mentoring opportunities for Special Olympics athletes and, when it is safe to do so, events that bring Gallagher employees and Special Olympics athletes together.

Chris Bunton, a seven-times Special Olympics champion gymnast, spoke at the launch about his experiences with Special Olympics and what the partnership means for him and others involved with the organisation. 

“On behalf of all athletes involved with Special Olympics, I’m thankful that Gallagher have given us the opportunity to collaborate and work together,” Bunton said.
 

Pictured left to right Corene Strauss, Chris Bunton, Sarah Lyons.
 

"The Gallagher team has been fantastic in terms of supporting us with issues around our insurance and we really appreciate that and we are really proud to be associated with Gallagher."

Corene Strauss, CEO Special Olympics Australia.

As a platinum partner of Special Olympics International and an official sponsor of Special Olympics Sport and Coaching program, Gallagher will support the movement’s mission to deliver the highest quality coaching and sport experience to more than 7,500 athletes in Australia, and millions around the world.

“It was great to hear about the work Special Olympics does and how much good the organisation can do,” Lyons said.

Corene Strauss, CEO of Special Olympics Australia, was also in attendance and spoke highly of the work Gallagher already does on behalf of the organisation and what the two organisations will be able to achieve together in the future.

“We are looking forward to a really good partnership,” Strauss said. “The Gallagher team has been fantastic in terms of supporting us with issues around our insurance and we really appreciate that and we are really proud to be associated with Gallagher.”

Van Leeuwen has worked with Special Olympics Australia for many years and summed up how powerful our relationship with Special Olympics can be.

“This partnership can be life changing for so many,” he said. “Not just the athletes and communities we will be able to support, but for us and our teams as well.

"When you see the incredible work that Special Olympics does and you witness and speak to the incredible athletes they support, it gives you an understanding of the power of sport and community.”
 

{Find out more about our partnership