For the Moments that Matter
1,200 athletes. 15 sports. One unforgettable summer.
This summer, more than 1,200 athletes with intellectual disabilities are competing in the first Special Olympics GB National Summer Games, which culminates in a multi-sport event in Birmingham - 27-30 August.
Co-op and Co-op Media Network are proud to be working with Coca-Cola to support the athletes, volunteers and communities helping to make the Games possible.
CELEBRATING THE ATHLETES
Meet some of the athletes competing this summer and discover what their sport, their community and National Summer Games mean to them. Every athlete arrives with their own story. Their own ambitions. Their own proudest moments.
Meet Alex Rae
Alex is a Co-op colleague from our Rosehill Drive store in Aberdeen and has been involved with Special Olympics GB since 2009. At this year’s games, he competed in table tennis.
“Special Olympics GB is a fantastic organisation that’s given me opportunities to compete, grow and achieve things I never though 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.”
Meet Ellie-Bea
Ellie-Bea is a rhythmic gymnast from Northampton who discovered the sport at seven years old. Her journey has taken her from her local gymnastics club to representing Team Special Olympics GB at the 2023 World Summer Games in Berlin, helping her build confidence, independence and pride along the way.
“Getting to represent your country is an amazing feeling, and walking into an immense stadium filled with supporters makes you feel so proud.”
Meet Taylor MacKenzie
Taylor is a swimmer from Dundee whose journey has taken her to the top of the podium, winning two gold medals for Team Special Olympics GB at the 2023 World Summer Games. Following spinal surgery, she has worked tirelessly to return to the pool and is now training towards the 2026 National Summer Games.
“Special Olympics is one big community where we all share the same stories and experiences. It is really empowering and has brought out a confident side of me which I didn’t know I had.”
Meet Angus Leckonby
Angus is a swimmer and triathlete from East Yorkshire whose journey has taken him from local swimming galas to becoming a marathon runner and three time Guinness World Records holder. Now, he has his sights set on representing Special Olympics GB at the 2027 World Summer Games in Chile.
“I think what people get wrong about athletes with intellectual disabilities in sport is the unseen potential. Underestimate these athletes at your peril.” Matthew Leckonby, Angus’s father.
MEALS THAT MATTER
The National Summer Games sponsorship builds on Meals That Matter, the award-winning partnership between Co-op, Co-op Media Network, Coca-Cola Europacific Partners and Special Olympics GB. Previous campaign activations have successfully engaged Co-op Members, while the Lunch Meal Deal initiative broadened participation by enabling all shoppers to contribute through everyday purchases.
Together, we set out to create a simple way for brands, shoppers and communities to support Special Olympics GB athletes and programmes through a campaign with measurable social impact.
MAKING THE CAMPAIGN MORE INCLUSIVE
Meals That Matter was designed to do more than raise money. It aimed to increase understanding and visibility for people with intellectual disabilities and the work of Special Olympics GB. As part of the campaign, Co-op became the first UK retailer to feature branded point-of-sale materials incorporating Makaton, helping make communications more inclusive and accessible. The campaign also celebrated local Special Olympics GB athletes through tailored creative and store-front media in their communities.
MORE THAN £200,000 RAISED
Since launching in 2025, we raised more than £200,000 for Special Olympics GB, helping it provide year-round opportunities for people with intellectual disabilities to develop skills, build confidence and participate in sport.
Together, customers, retailer, brands and communities are helping create more opportunities for people with intellectual disabilities through sport.
HELPING FUEL THE GAMES
Throughout the Games, Co-op is helping provide food and drink for athletes, volunteers and organisers.
It's a part of our wider commitment to supporting communities and help people access good food while creating lasting social impact.
Together with Coca-Cola and Special Olympics GB, we're helping ensure every athlete feels recognised, celebrated and supported throughout the summer games and beyond.
THE POWER OF PARTNERSHIP
Creating meaningful impact takes collective action.
The National Summer Games bring together:
Special Olympics GB Empowering athletes with intellectual disabilities through year- round sport and competition.
Coca-Cola A long-standing supporter of the global Special Olympics movement and champion of inclusive communities.
Co-op Supporting communities, creating opportunities and helping people come together.
Co-op Media Network Connecting purpose-led brands with millions of shoppers through meaningful campaigns.
Looking to build partnerships with purpose?
Co-op Media Network works with brands to create campaigns that combine commercial impact with measurable social outcomes.
Reach out to the Co-op Media Network team via hello@coopmedianetwork.co.uk to find out more about partnerships.