Together IGA and Special Olympics Australia are Transforming Lives of People with an Intellectual Disability

In April 2001, IGA partnered with Special Olympics Australia to launch a range of Special Olympics branded products to increase awareness of the organisation and raise much needed funds to support Special Olympics Australia growing into new communities across NSW, ACT, QLD, VIC, TAS, SA and WA

Today the IGA Signature range with donations to Special Olympics has grown to over 200 products and continues to provide funding from the sale of these items. This allows Special Olympics to provide a quality multi-sports program to over 4000 Australians living with an intellectual disability.

Special Olympics is a not for profit organisation led by around 1000 volunteers who believe in the power of changing lives through sport, health and education. It also provides an environment for families to network and share support.
Special Olympics athletes get fit, have fun, make friends and play a part in their community.
According to Vanessa, a volunteer and parent from New South Wales, “There are so many moments at Special Olympics that will light up your face and bring a tear to your eye. It truly is an amazing organisation that brings positive change to those children and adults living with an intellectual disability, just like my son.”
Since IGA began supporting the organisation, which operates in over 250 clubs in communities across Australia, Special Olympics Australia has been able to:
• Increase the program from six official sports to 14 sports, plus other recreational and social activities
• Grow and transform to reach a further 1,000 Australians living with a intellectual disability
• Fund training and competition at local, state, national and international events like the National Games in Adelaide 2010 and the World Games in Athens, Greece 2011
• Launch an Ambassador Program which provides Coach and Volunteer training
• Launch an Athlete Leadership Program that empowers athletes to develop new confidence and communication skills, and be leaders in society

Mr Silvestro Morabito, Chief Executive Officer of IGA Distribution said “IGA Distribution is proud to be associated with Special Olympics Australia. IGA stores around Australia are well known for their community involvement and our partnership with Special Olympics provides an exciting opportunity for IGA to support a group sometimes overlooked in our community – those children and adults with an intellectual disability”.

So, next time you’re shopping at your local IGA store, buy from the range of great IGA Signature products featuring the Special Olympics logo and help support people with an intellectual disability in your local community.

To find out more about Special Olympics Australia please visit http://www.specialolympics.com.au/