Special Olympics GB is delighted to welcome Co-op and its retail media business, Co-op Media Network (CMN) as official sponsors of our National Summer Games 2026 – alongside Headline Partner, Coca-Cola – reinforcing the convenience retailer’s commitment to supporting communities across the UK.
As official sponsors, Co-op and CMN will provide own-brand food and drink to support athletes, volunteers and organisers during Special Olympics GB’s National Summer Game multi-sport event in Birmingham as part of a wider commitment to help communities access good food while supporting meaningful social impact.
The sponsorship sits alongside its returning in-store award winning awareness campaign – Meals That Matter – that launched in 2025, in collaboration with Coca-Cola Europacific Partners (CCEP), to celebrate the achievements of Special Olympics GB athletes.
The campaign, which runs until 1 September, features Special Olympics GB athletes across Co-op stores nationwide, with 5p donated to Special Olympics GB for every qualifying Co-op lunchtime meal deal purchased with a 500ml bottle or can of Coca-Cola Original Taste, Coca-Cola Zero Sugar or Diet Coke .
One of the athletes who has already competed at the National Summer Games Table Tennis event is Co-op’s very own Alex Rae from the retailer’s Rosehill Drive store in Aberdeen, who has been involved with Special Olympics GB since 2009.
Special Olympics GB is a fantastic organisation that’s given me opportunities to compete, grow and achieve things I never thought possible. Co-op's support is helping more people understand what Special Olympics GB is all about and what athletes with an intellectual disability can achieve.
Dean Harris, Head of Co-op Media Network, said: “Thanks to the incredible Meals that Matter campaign, millions of people now know the Special Olympics GB exists and what these amazing athletes have achieved. Being able to elevate and support the athletes further is a privilege for Co-op and that's what makes the Co-op Media Network different, as we're not just providing retail media, we're working together to achieve bigger things for our partners and our communities."
Laura Baxter MBE, Chief Executive of Special Olympics GB, said: “It’s been fantastic to work with Co-op and Co-op Media Network over the last 18 months through Meals That Matter, where our athletes have been championed in its stores and customers have been inspired by everything they achieve.
“Enhancing this relationship through a National Summer Games partnership is a fantastic step forward, and we’re very excited to be working with the team to bring this to life. We’re incredibly grateful for their support and look forward to activating their exciting plans when the Games culminate in Birmingham next week.”
Since launching in 2025, the Meals That Matter partnership has raised over £200,000 for Special Olympics GB, helping it use sport to ensure that people with an intellectual disability are seen, valued and taken seriously.