NAB joins forces with Special Olympics Australia

It’s the awe-inspiring competition that has the power to change the lives of athletes. And a new partnership is set to give it a huge funding boost for now — and in the years to come.

It’s the awe-inspiring competition that has the power to change the lives of athletes.

And a new partnership is set to give it a huge funding boost for now - and in the years to come.

In a win for Special Olympics Australia, NAB has announced it is expanding its support of the event to become Principal Partner until 2022.

The Special Olympics is the world’s largest sports organisation for children and adults with intellectual disabilities and physical disabilities.

Jessica Disalvo, Mark Jensen, Mike Baird and Keiran Kelleher as NAB announce the sponsorship with the Special Olympics athletes. Photo Jeremy Piper

It has grown from a backyard camp into a global movement that has been transforming the lives of people with an intellectual disability for almost 50 years.

And the global sporting community was pioneered by the late Eunice Kennedy Shriver, sister of US president John F. Kennedy.

Today, Special Olympics supports over 5 million athletes in 177 countries.

NAB’s pledge will see more funding for athletes competing in sporting events across the country in the lead up to the 2022 National Games in Tasmania.

NAB staff will also be encouraged to take part in a dedicated employee volunteer program.

Mike Baird says Special Olympics Australia changes the lives of athletes and inspires others to do better. Picture: Photo Jeremy Piper

Former NSW premier Mike Baird, the NAB’s chief customer officer in consumer banking, said the bank was committed to advancing inclusion in the Australian community.

“The work that Special Olympics Australia does to help people of determination get involved in sport and grow in confidence is extraordinary,” he said.

“Not only do they change the lives of the athletes but they change ours because they inspire us to do and be better.

“Last year more than 200 NAB employees volunteered at the Games in Adelaide, and we look forward to all of our 33,000 people having the opportunity to get involved in events in local communities across the country.

“We’re very proud to be working alongside Special Olympics Australia to support the talented athletes through numerous events in the lead up to and including the National Games in 2022.”

This year the State Games will take place in Queensland and New South Wales.

Special Olympics Australia chief executive Corene Strauss hailed the “historic” move.

“Our hope is for all Australians to recognise the importance of inclusion for people with intellectual disabilities in society, and to continue to provide sport and movement opportunities for these people,” she said.

Visit www.specialolympics.com.au to find out more