Special Olympics began in 1968 as a single event with a few hundred athletes. Today, it is a global movement that provides year-round sports training and athletic competition for people with intellectual disabilities, creating opportunities to develop physical fitness, demonstrate courage, enhance representation and spark joy.
The Coca‑Cola Company has been part of this journey from the beginning, helping to support and grow the movement as the Founding Partner since 1968.
“What's really special about this partnership is that Coca Cola has been with us since our inception. It's been much more than a sponsorship. Coca Cola’s contribution to our organization is priceless.”
A Partnership That Has Grown Alongside the Movement
At a time when Special Olympics was just taking shape, The Coca‑Cola Company believed in the movement. This involvement lent valuable credibility, visibility and long-term support that the movement needed to grow.
Since that time, Coca‑Cola's commitment has evolved beyond financial support to include employee volunteerism, awareness-driving marketing initiatives, local bottler engagement and support for Special Olympics competitions around the world. Coca‑Cola's people, platforms and global reach have helped elevate athletes and expand Special Olympics’ impact.
Visit the Coca-Cola website to learn more about the partnership between these two iconic brands.
