As the biggest sporting event in Ireland this year rolls into town, Special Olympics Ireland platinum partner, Gala Retail, has donated 45,000 bottles of water to ensure athletes, volunteers and the wider Special Olympics family are well hydrated across four days of sporting action.
The Special Olympics Ireland Summer Games take place from Thursday 18th to Sunday 21st June, kicking off with the Opening Ceremony at Tallaght Stadium.
Over 1,200 Special Olympics athletes from across the island of Ireland will compete, proudly representing their regional teams across 12 sports. The athletes will be supported by hundreds of coaches and official delegates, and thousands of volunteers helping to run the Games.
Gala Retail is a platinum sponsor of Special Olympics Ireland, and this year marks the company's 12th year of sponsorship. In that time, over €1 million has been raised for Special Olympics Ireland by Gala Retail, its stores and its customers. The water donation continues a tradition that began at the 2018 Ireland Summer Games, when Gala first stepped in to keep athletes, volunteers, and all involved hydrated.
Tony Cluskey, Marketing & Ambient Trading Manager with Gala Retail, said: "We’re delighted to be back supporting the biggest sporting event in the Special Olympics calendar in Ireland. Our association with Special Olympics Ireland stretches back to 2015, and it’s a journey we’re immensely proud of. Gala Retail and our stores nationwide are immensely proud to play our part by keeping the athletes, volunteers and the entire Special Olympics family hydrated across four days of competition.
“Special Olympics is at the heart of communities across Ireland, just like Gala, and we can't wait to cheer on the athletes as they create more #GalaSpecialMoments this week.”
Karen Coventry, CEO of Special Olympics Ireland, said: “Gala Retail has been an invaluable partner to Special Olympics Ireland for over a decade, and we’re incredibly thankful to have Gala’s commitment to Special Olympics Ireland supplemented this year by this generous donation of water.
“As we look to the Opening Day of the Games, our athletes are ready to take up the honour of representing their region on the national stage, and it's thanks to our partners, including Gala Retail, and the thousands of volunteers and supporters, that we can make these Games an unforgettable experience.”
The 12 sports on this week’s programme of sporting action are athletics, badminton, basketball, bocce, bowling, equestrian, football, golf, rhythmic and artistic gymnastics, kayaking, swimming and table tennis. The Games will also feature the Motor Activities Training Programme (MATP), Young Athletes and Healthy Athletes events.
The Games are a free, family-friendly event, and Special Olympics Ireland is calling on the public to play their part and support the athletes as they take on the honour of representing their region.
To be a part of the action, find out how you can support this life-changing event at www.irelandgames.ie
