Special Olympics Great Britain (GB) is thrilled to confirm that football star Jack Grealish has extended his role as Principal Ambassador role for a further three years.
Special Olympics GB is a national movement that uses sport to help people with an intellectual (learning) disability be seen, valued and taken seriously. Grealish first joined as Principal Ambassador in 2022 and has since played a key role in raising the profile of athletes across the country.
Through his continued role, Grealish will use his platform to elevate the work of Special Olympics GB, and its network of more than 100 grassroots sports clubs nationwide - helping to ensure athletes with an intellectual disability are visible, recognised and celebrated on and off the field of play.
“Being Principal Ambassador for Special Olympics GB means a lot,” said Grealish. "It’s inspirational to see the determination and the positivity that the athletes show every day. I’m proud to champion and help show the world what they can achieve.
Through my career in football, I’ve been fortunate to meet many people whose lives have been changed by sport. Special Olympics GB is achieving that every day, and it’s great that I can play a role in supporting that.
To mark the extension, Grealish hosted five of the 10 Special Olympics GB athletes who completed the TCS London Marathon, on Sunday, at Everton’s Hill Dickinson Stadium. He surprised the athletes with a VIP experience, including a stadium tour and time pitch side in recognition of their 26.2-mile achievement.
Matthew Brough, Special Olympics GB athlete, TCS London Marathon finisher and member of the Athlete Leadership Team, said: “It’s been fantastic to meet Jack today. He’s one of the biggest names in British sport, so to have him backing us like this means a lot.
“His support helps more people understand what us Special Olympics GB athletes can achieve. It’s given me confidence, helped me win medals, helped me get a job and this week even helped me run a marathon! I want more people like me to have these same opportunities.”
Grealish’s continued support comes ahead of a landmark summer for Special Olympics GB, as the movement prepares to host its first National Summer Games in nine years.
Beginning this weekend with its national cycling competition in Bradford, the Games will take place across England, Scotland and Wales, culminating in a multi-sport event in Birmingham from 27-30 August, bringing together more than 1,200 athletes on a national stage.
Laura Baxter MBE, Chief Executive of Special Olympics GB, said: “We are incredibly proud that Jack has chosen to extend his role as Principal Ambassador. His passion, authenticity and commitment to our athletes has already made a real impact.
“This is about visibility. When athletes with intellectual disabilities are seen competing and achieving, it changes perceptions and it opens up new opportunities.
“Having someone of Jack’s profile stand alongside our athletes sends a powerful message: that they belong, that they matter and that their achievements deserve to be recognised.”