Cork Cash & Carry M&P O'Sullivan and Gala sponsor 'Team Ireland' in the Special Olympics

30th June 2015

At the Munster launch of the Gala sponsorship of Team Ireland in the Special Olympics, Pat O’ Sullivan, a Director of Cork based cash and carry M&P O Sullivan and Gala Retail services said, “M&P O’Sullivan Ltd are proud to be part of Gala’s sponsorship of Team Ireland, and wish all the Munster athletes the very best of luck”.

In a six figure deal, that includes sponsorship rights and a significant activation budget, this major sponsorship will help Irish athletes travel to and compete at July’s World Summer Games in LA.
Gala’s commitment to Team Ireland marks a considerable milestone in the fundraising efforts of Special Olympics Ireland, who require €440,000 to cover the cost of sending an Irish delegation to the World Games.

Consisting of 88 Special Olympics athletes, Team Ireland will be supported by a 40 strong management team, 200 Irish volunteers, as well as hundreds of family members and supporters who will cheer the athletes on as they compete in Los Angeles.

Pat O’Sullivan, who is joining the team in LA in July continued, “Being in a position to assist these athletes in achieving their dreams and experiencing a once-in-a-lifetime opportunity is something that everyone at M&P O’Sullivan and Gala is committed to and we’re looking forward to an exciting summer, wishing Team Ireland every success at the Games.”

Matt English, Chief Executive, Special Olympics Ireland adds: “Without the support of our sponsors, it would be financially impossible to fund 88 Irish athletes’ participation in the World Summer Games in LA. 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.”

Commenting on why the Gala chose to support Special Olympics Ireland in 2015, Gary Desmond, CEO of Gala says:
“We are an Irish Retail Group, and our stores and their communities are central to our success. 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.

From 23rd July – August 2nd, exclusive updates from the Games will be delivered via Gala’s social media channels as part of the convenience group’s #GalaSpecialMoment campaign and Gala shoppers will also be encouraged to share their #GalaSpecialMoment online.

All Gala stores will be decked out to cheer on Team Ireland at the end of July and additional activity is 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’.

Team Ireland will join 7,000 Special Olympics athletes from 177 countries for the Games which promise to be one of the sporting highlights of this year. Team Ireland will compete in 12 sports: aquatics, athletics, badminton, basketball, bocce, bowling, equestrian, football (5 & 11-a-side), golf, gymnastics, kayaking and table tennis.

For Further information see: www.mpos.ie
-ends-

Return to the Archive News section