Co-op and Co-op Media Network have been named as the official sponsors of the Special Olympics Great Britain National Summer Games 2026, alongside Coca-Cola.
The Special Olympics GB aims to ensure that people who have an “intellectual disability” are “valued and taken seriously”. The Summer Games is the UK’s largest inclusive multi-sport event, bringing together 1,200 athletes.
Co-op and Co-op Media Network will be supplying own-brand food and drink to support the volunteers, athletes and organisers at the games as part of its commitment to help communities access good food.
One of the athletes taking part in the event is Alex Rae, who is an employee at Co-op’s Rosehill Drive store and has been involved in the games since 2009.
Rae said: “Special Olympics GB is a fantastic organisation that’s given me opportunities to compete, grow and achieve things I never thought possible. Co-op’s support is helping more people understand what Special Olympics GB is all about and what athletes with an intellectual disability can achieve.”
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Alongside its sponsorship, the retailer is also relaunching its ‘meals that matter’ campaign. The campaign first launched last year, in collaboration with Coca-Cola Europacific Partners and stars Special Olympic GB athletes.
The retailer will also make a donation to the event through the purchase of a food deal that includes Coca-Cola products.
The collaboration has raised over £200,000 since its launch last year.
Laura Baxter MBE, chief executive of Special Olympics GB, said: “It’s been fantastic to work with Co-op and Co-op Media Network over the last 18 months through Meals That Matter, where our athletes have been championed in its stores and customers have been inspired by everything they achieve.
“Enhancing this relationship through a National Summer Games partnership is a fantastic step forward, and we’re very excited to be working with the team to bring this to life. We’re incredibly grateful for their support and look forward to activating their exciting plans when the Games culminate in Birmingham next week.”
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