Special Olympics GB has revealed its new four-year strategy.
Called Inclusion in Action, the new strategy firmly places athletes at the heart of Special Olympics GB, with a clear vision to drive sustainability and growth across every aspect of the organisation, while increasing our advocacy and influence externally to help more of the 1.5 million people living with an intellectual disability in Great Britain today.
Following extensive consultation over the last nine months with a wide range of registered members, athletes, trustees, corporate partners, key stakeholders, and with the help of international sports marketing agency and strategic partner to Special Olympics GB, Two Circles, our new strategy focuses on four main objectives which provide a clear and achievable roadmap for our organisation moving forward.
Our objectives are:
- Develop an effective delivery environment
- Grow participation to record Great Britain levels
- Tell more athlete stories
- Generate sustainable and diverse fund-raising
Special Olympics GB’s new strategy comes at a time when recent research* has identified that 36% of adults have a connection to or are aware of someone with an intellectual disability – which equates to almost 19 million people in Great Britain – far higher than was previously estimated. Younger generations (16 – 44 years old) have more of a connection to or are aware of people with intellectual disabilities than older generations. 9 out of 10 consumers have a more positive image of a brand when it supports a social or environmental cause. The spending power of disabled people and their families in the UK is worth £24.9 billion. ** This adds up to a huge opportunity for not only Special Olympics GB and people with intellectual disabilities, but for businesses and society in general.
Michelle Carney, CEO of Special Olympics GB said: “We are a purpose driven, values led organisation with our sights firmly set on being able to help more of the 1.5 million people who live with an intellectual disability in Great Britain. I am excited and proud of our new strategy and believe we have created a working document with tangible, achievable targets and benefits which demonstrates inclusion in action in everything we do.
“Our new strategy is simple and designed to impact every element of our movement in Great Britain. From how we deliver sport and competition for our athletes, to how we raise awareness of our amazing athletes and our inspirational charity, and how we can work with our dedicated volunteers across Scotland, England and Wales moving forward.
“We will only achieve true inclusion when we listen to the voices of our athletes. They are the best advocates of the difference that Special Olympics makes in people’s lives. Our role is to create environments and platforms where they can share their inspiring and courageous stories. We are committed to advocating for our Special Olympics athletes, so they are treated fairly, and we believe bidding to host a World Games in 2027 or 2031 will ensure that our athletes are treated with the same level of importance as their Olympic and Paralympics counterparts.
“But we cannot do this on our own. As the UK slowly starts to get back to normal after Covid-19, we call upon the UK Government, business and society to help us use sport as a vehicle to build on the increased connection and awareness younger generations have with intellectual disabilities. 98% of those who are aware of Special Olympics GB think we are an inspirational organisation – and that is all down to the achievements of our amazing athletes.
“Sport has the power to unite people like nothing else and the positive effect of sport on people’s lives is well documented. The statistics around disability sport make for somber reading. 44% of people with a learning disability took part in less than 30 minutes of exercise a week***; 81% of disabled people would like to be more active***; 77% of young disabled adults (18-34) feel lonely*****; I could go on. I wholeheartedly believe Special Olympics GB is perfectly positioned to be a pivotal driver of societal change and transform lives of people with intellectual disabilities for good – on and off the field of play. We are excited about our journey ahead and the transformation we can continue to make through sport, with joy, friendship, laughter, fun and kindness at the heart of everything we do. This is Special Olympics Great Britain. This is Inclusion in Action.”
Paul Richardson, Chair of Special Olympics GB said: “The creation of this new strategy represents a major step forward for Special Olympics GB. The last two years has been about transforming the organisation and dealing with Covid-19. We now are at a point where we can start to build for a bright and exciting future. When you hear that 94% of people with an intellectual disability are not in paid employment, and that 1 in 2 people believe that Special Olympics GB and their sponsors need to improve this and help find jobs for people with an intellectual disability, the size and scope of what Special Olympics GB could help achieve through sport is huge.
“Which is why I am so passionate about this organisation and what the future could bring. Huge thanks to our current corporate partners for their support and dedication – it is very much appreciated. Huge thanks also to our strategic partners, Two Circles for their invaluable help in facilitating this comprehensive strategy. Their vision, insight and understanding has played a huge part throughout this process.”
