The partnership will create hundreds of fundraising campaigns for teams, delegations and athletes to attend the Special Olympics 2017 World Winter Games.
Special Olympics announced today their first-ever social fundraising collaboration with GoFundMe. As part of the effort, nearly 500 GoFundMes will be created by teams, coaches, as well as by Olympians, top professional athletes, YouTube stars and other influencers to support this worthy cause.
"We are proud to partner with Special Olympics to help support these remarkable athletes and their communities," said Rob Solomon, GoFundMe CEO. "GoFundMe's mission is to empower people to help people, and Special Olympics has been helping to empower people with intellectual disabilities for almost 50 years. It's an honor to share the stories of these competitors who have overcome obstacles."
Olympians including Hannah Teter and Apolo Ohno join coaches, teams and YouTube stars to create GoFundMes on behalf of Special Olympics athletes.
Over 2,700 athletes from over 100 countries will compete in 9 sports at the Special Olympics World Winter Games in Austria next month. Special Olympics is more than a sports organization, it is creating a worldwide movement that highlights inclusion and community, where every individual is accepted and included. For many competitors, it's a life-changing experience.
The GoFundMes created for these athletes will not only share each of their personal stories, but help them on their journey to the Games with expenses related to travel, training, equipment, coaching, and accommodations. Similar to other sports competitions, there are costs involved for athletes.
"We are excited to collaborate with GoFundMe to help further drive support for our incredible athletes and tell their personal stories of achievement, bravery and inspiration as they prepare for the World Games" said Mary Davis, CEO, Special Olympics.
The Special Olympics World Winter Games will take place 14 March through 25 March in Graz, Schladming, Rohrmoos and Ramsau, Austria. Many of the Special Olympics ambassadors and influencers will be attending the Games to cheer on these amazing athletes from the stands. Additionally, eight Olympic athletes, including Julia Mancuso and Apolo Ohno, shared messages of encouragement to Special Olympic athletes in a video embodying Special Olympics founder Eunice Kennedy Shriver's message of hope and victory.
To donate and learn more about their stories, and view all Special Olympic GoFundMes, visit: gofundme.com/specialolympics
About GoFundMe
Launched in 2010, GoFundMe is the world's largest social fundraising platform, with over $3 billion raised so far. With a community of more than 25 million donors, GoFundMe is changing the way the world gives. Find us on Twitter, Facebook, and Instagram.
About Special Olympics
Special Olympics is a global inclusion movement using sport, health, education and leadership programs every day around the world to end discrimination against and empower people with intellectual disabilities. Founded in 1968, and celebrating its 50th Anniversary this year, the Special Olympics movement has grown to more than 5 million athletes and Unified partners in more than 170 countries. With the support of more than 1 million coaches and volunteers, Special Olympics delivers 32 Olympic-type sports and over 108,000 games and competitions throughout the year. Special Olympics is supported by individuals, foundations and partners, including the Christmas Records Trust, the Law Enforcement Torch Run® for Special Olympics, The Coca-Cola Company, United Airlines, The Walt Disney Company and ESPN, Microsoft, Lions Clubs International, Bank of America, Essilor Vision Foundation, the Golisano Foundation, Safilo Group, and TOYOTA. Click here for a full list of partners. Engage with us on: Twitter, Facebook, YouTube, Instagram and our blog on Medium.
Contacts
Kelly Galvin
GoFundMe
+1 (510) 912-5238
kgalvin@gofundme.com
Christy Weir
Special Olympics Inc.
+1 (202) 738-8511
cweir@specialolympics.org