The Special Olympics is an organisation that aims to end discrimination against people with intellectual disabilities, fostering acceptance through the power of sport. In order to extend the organisation's global presence and support with events such as Special Olympics Unified Cup and Special Olympics World Games in Berlin, Special Olympics has formed a three-year partnership with Allison+Partners.

The partnership will provide Special Olympics with access to Allison+Partners’ offices in each of its 34 markets worldwide for localised public relations support around major events and seasonal milestones.

 A year ago, Allison+Partners began a search to identify a global nonprofit partner that could support the agency’s employee volunteer and giving goals while supporting the organisation with the agency’s nonprofit and purpose-driven service arms.

“Special Olympics has been purpose-driven since its inception more than 50 years ago, and its global footprint of local Programs aligns very well with our agency locations,” said Scott Pansky, Co-Founder and Senior Partner at Allison+Partners. “We share the belief in promoting a more inclusive global society and our nearly 600 employees worldwide are excited to engage with the Special Olympics Programs in their local markets and support the corporate organisation’s global narrative.”

Together Allison+Partners and Special Olympics will also launch a first-of-its-kind Global Volunteer Engagement Program matching Allison+Partners staff to their local Special Olympics Program. Volunteer opportunities include participation in events such as Polar Plunges®, Special Olympics Summer and Winter Games, Special Olympics Unified Sports®, and coaching opportunities for media training to help prepare Special Olympics athletes for media interviews.

“Launching this first-of-its-kind Global Volunteer Engagement Program will give all Allison+Partners employees the opportunity to see inclusion on and off the playing field and be part of something bigger than themselves.” added Jason Teitler, Senior Vice President of Global Communications and Brand Lead, Special Olympics, “Our volunteers are the backbone of our entire movement. Their passion, commitment and leadership allow us to deliver a message of equality for all.”

Where both organisation's ethics and values are strongly aligned, the partnership aims to amplify Global presence externally whilst enriching cultures internally.