Gala Retail bags partnership renewal with Special Olympics Ireland
NATIONAL convenience retailer Gala Retail has just announced its commitment to continue its partnership with Special Olympics Ireland for a further four years. The Gala Group was joined by Special Olympics Ambassador and Patron, Keith Wood, and members of Special Olympics Team Ireland to celebrate the announcement, which sees the Group invest a six-figure sum in continuing its platinum sponsorship of Special Olympics Ireland for the next four-year cycle of Olympic activities.
Gala Retail first partnered with Special Olympics Ireland for the World Summer Games in 2015 before cementing its relationship with the organisation to become a platinum sponsor of Special Olympics Ireland, supporting more than 8,000 athletes nationwide.
Gala’s renewed partnership will see the Group supporting Special Olympics Team Ireland athletes in the upcoming Ireland Winter Games, taking place in March; the Special Olympics World Winter Games (2021), the Special Olympics Ireland Games (2022) and the Special Olympics World Summer Games (2023), as well as supporting athletes across the country in area and regional games throughout the year.
Commenting on the sponsorship announcement, Gary Desmond, CEO of Gala Retail, explains: “Over the past five years, we have witnessed first hand the great work that Special Olympics Ireland contributes to communities across Ireland. We’ve experienced many #GalaSpecialMoments and supported the athletes in their journeys from area games right through to world summer games.”
“With athletes and clubs in locations all across Ireland, Special Olympics has a place in the heart of many communities and with almost 200 Gala stores based across Ireland, there’s a real synergy with this partnership. Gala retailers, stores and staff members have shown great enthusiasm and support for this partnership and are extremely proud that Gala Retail will be continuing to support Special Olympics Ireland.”
Gala’s sponsorship of Team Ireland for the upcoming Ireland Winter Games is just the first of many initiatives that the convenience retail group will be supporting over the next four years. This year will see Gala host its own collection weekend for Special Olympics Ireland in April. Coinciding with the Special Olympics Annual Collection Day, on Friday 24th April, Gala stores across Ireland will be collecting funds for Special Olympics throughout the weekend until Monday 27th April.
Matt English, CEO of Special Olympics Ireland comments: “We are delighted that Gala are renewing their partnership with us for the next four years which coincides with our advancement cycle. Without the support of sponsors like Gala, we couldn’t continue to provide our athletes with all the benefits that go with being part of the Special Olympics community. By giving us a four-year commitment it also allows us to plan ahead. Over the past five years Gala Retail shops have engaged with our local community based clubs to champion their local athletes and we look forward to seeing this continue.”
