Convenience group Gala has signed a six-figure deal with Special Olympics Ireland to become Official Sponsor of Team Ireland.
Gala’s partnership with Team Ireland marks a considerable milestone in the fundraising efforts of Special Olympics Ireland, who required €440,000 to send an Irish delegation to the World Games.
The deal includes sponsorship rights, along with a significant aviation budget to help 88 Irish athletes travel and compete in July’s World Summer Games in LA, something chief executive of Special Olympics Ireland, Matt English says would be otherwise impossible.
He added, “This is our first initiative with Gala, and we’re thrilled with the partnership, as there’s a natural synergy with local retailers championing their local athletes.”
Gary Desmond, CEO of Gala further commented, “Special Olympics is an outstanding organisation that has supported thousands of athletes in our stores’ communities over the years, and the Gala Group wanted to collectively help the athletes from Team Ireland create special moments in Los Angeles.
“Being in a position to assist the athletes in achieving their dreams and experiencing a once-in-a-lifetime opportunity is something that all of our stores committed to and we’re looking forward to an exciting summer, wishing Team Ireland every success at the Games,” he concluded.
Alongside the sponsorship, Gala will run an integrated campaign, #GalaSpecialMoment, which will be used to deliver exclusive updates from the games.
Gala stores will be decorated in support of Team Ireland at the end of July, with additional activity planned to include a local radio campaign, TV & radio promotions for trips to LA and an exciting in-store promotion for shoppers to enjoy ‘special moments’.
© 2015 - Checkout Magazine by Jenny Whelan.
