NAB has today announced it has expanded its support of Special Olympics Australia, to become Principal Partner until 2022.
NAB Chief Customer Officer, Consumer Banking, Mike Baird said NAB is committed to advancing accessibility and inclusion in the Australian community, and is incredibly proud to partner with Special Olympics Australia.
“The work that Special Olympics Australia does to help people of determination get involved in sport and grow in confidence is extraordinary. Not only do they change the lives of the athletes, but they change ours because they inspire us to do and be better,” Mr Baird said.
The partnership builds on NAB’s role as Presenting Partner of the 2018 Special Olympics National Games hosted in Adelaide.
“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.”
NAB’s commitment will see more funding for athletes competing in numerous sporting events across the country in the lead up to the 2022 National Games in Tasmania, as well as additional resources to help promote the events and a dedicated employee volunteer program.
Through the partnership, NAB will also be the Major Partner of the State Games, which takes place in three States each year, as well as the Presenting Partner of the 2020 Junior National Games and the 2022 National Games.
In 2019, State Games will take place in Queensland and New South Wales. More than 220 athletes recently took part in the Victorian State Games held on 6 April.
Special Olympics Australia Chief Executive Officer Corene Strauss said she is thrilled to have NAB’s support as Principal Partner in what is an historic partnership for both organisations.
“NAB’s support of the 2018 National Games in Adelaide helped us deliver the games to our highest standard and gave our athletes the platform they needed to achieve their best on their journey to the 2019 World Games. And with more activities and events scheduled than ever before in 2019, NAB’s support is more important than ever.
“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. This historic partnership with one of Australia’s leading financial institutions will help us make this hope a reality, and I’m so excited to see our work come to life” said Ms Strauss.
Visit www.specialolympics.com.au to find out more about the local competitions run by Special Olympics Australia around the country.
ABOUT SPECIAL OLYMPICS AUSTRALIA
Special Olympics Australia is part of a global inclusion movement using sport, health, education and leadership programs every day around the world to end discrimination against and empower people with intellectual disabilities. Our volunteers create accessible sports training, coaching and competition opportunities which are offered week-in and week-out in local communities throughout Australia.
