Special Olympics Great Britain (GB) has signed a game-changing partnership with ESA member Two Circles to become the international sports marketing agency’s official charity for the next three years. Two Circles has committed to raising over $1m over the course of the pro-bono partnership.
Special Olympics GB is a non-profit organisation and the largest provider of year-round, sports coaching and athletic competition in summer and winter sports for children and adults with intellectual disabilities. Founded in 1978, the organisation currently has more than 120 accredited clubs in England, Scotland and Wales providing approximately 27,000 regular hour-long sporting sessions per year, all delivered by a team of more than 4,000 dedicated volunteers.
Two Circles will work with London-based Special Olympics GB and use its proven data-driven approach to create, implement and execute commercial strategies that result in new sponsorship deals, greater fundraising revenue and stronger digital engagement.
Two Circles will also help Special Olympics GB influence diversity and inclusion agendas within businesses and support the organisation’s ambition to successfully bid to host the Special Olympics World Games. The agency will also look to support Special Olympics programmes across North America, Europe and other key international markets.
The agency has committed to raising over $1m incremental revenue that will be invested to support Special Olympics GB grassroots inclusive programming and sporting events. Two Circlers from all four of the agency’s international offices (London, New York, Los Angeles, Bern) will also volunteer at Special Olympics events over the next three years.
Michelle Carney, CEO of Special Olympics GB, said:
“To have been chosen as Two Circles’ charity partner against stiff competition is a dream come true for our organisation. This will be, without doubt, a game-changing partnership for not only Special Olympics GB but more importantly for our athletes and future athletes. The knowledge, expertise and experience Two Circles will bring to our organisation cannot be underestimated and it will undoubtedly help raise long overdue recognition of our athletes and organisation in Great Britain. We are very grateful to everyone at Two Circles for this opportunity, and we look forward to working together to help transform the lives of more people with intellectual disabilities.”
Gareth Balch, Two Circles CEO, said:
“Using sport to make a positive difference in the world is something everyone at Two Circles is hugely passionate about – so coupled with our proven approach to growing commercial revenues for not-for-profits, this partnership makes so much sense for us. Special Olympics were selected in a company-wide vote and we were all hugely inspired by Special Olympics’ commitment to promoting inclusion, equality and acceptance. We’re proud to be giving back in this way, especially during these uncertain times for societies across the world, and can’t wait to see Special Olympics benefit from our work.”
Learn more about Special Olympics GB and the Special Olympics.
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For further information:
Matt Cutler
Head of Communications, Two Circles
matt.cutler@twocircles.com
+447957184415
Alison Lavenant
PR & Communications Consultant, Special Olympics Great Britain
alison.lavenant@sogb.org.uk
+447841004183
About Two Circles
Two Circles uses data to grow direct relationships between sports and fans, and drives business growth for over 300 of the world’s leading sports properties. Two Circles’ technology-driven, service-led offering helps its clients improve customer experience, increase revenue and enhance their sponsorship proposition. Two Circles has twice been named Agency of the Year at the Sport Industry Awards.
About Special Olympics GB
- Special Olympics Great Britain (GB), set up in 1978, is a non-profit charity which provides year-round sports coaching and athletic competition in summer and winter sports for children and adults with Intellectual disabilities.
- An intellectual disability is ‘A significantly reduced ability to understand new or complex information, to learn new skills (impaired intelligence) with a reduced ability to cope independently (impaired social functioning) which started before adulthood, with a lasting effect on development’ Source: Department of Health (2001) Valuing People.
- Special Olympics is a global, IOC recognised organisation.
- Founded in 1968 by Eunice Kennedy Shriver, Special Olympics now reaches more than five million athletes in over 190 countries.
- Unlike the Olympics and Paralympics, Special Olympics differs in that it aims to offer opportunities for athletes of all abilities to take part in a range of sport every day of the week, every week of the year.
- There are an estimated 1.5 million people with an Intellectual Disability in Great Britain and that number is predicted to rise. (Source: Papworth Trust 2010).
- Two hundred babies are born each week with an Intellectual disability in the UK (Source: Papworth Trust 2010). Eight out of ten children with an ID are bullied and ALL are socially excluded. (Source: Mencap 2007).
- Special Olympics GB currently has more than 120 accredited clubs in England, Scotland and Wales and provides coaching and competition opportunities in 28 sports. These programmes are run by over 4,000 volunteers who support thousands of the athletes with Intellectual Disabilities to take part.
- Special Olympics GB is more than just an opportunity to take part in sport – it transforms lives. It provides opportunities to increase confidence, realise potential, develop physical fitness and mental well-being, demonstrate courage and experience new friendships. And above all for both athletes and their families – to have some FUN.
- The work of Special Olympics GB is currently funded by individuals, trust and corporate donations and financial support is crucial to enable us to continue our work.
- For further information visit www.specialolympicsgb.org.uk.