Special Olympics and GoFundMe Announce Global Sponsorship, Creating Hundreds of Fundraising Campaigns for Teams, Delegations and Athletes to Attend the Special Olympics 2017 World Winter Games

REDWOOD CITY, Calif., Feb. 16, 2017 /PRNewswire/ -- Special Olympics announced today their first-ever social fundraising collaboration with GoFundMe. As part of the effort, nearly 500 GoFundMes will be created by teams, coaches, as well as by Olympians, top professional athletes, YouTube stars and other influencers to support this worthy cause.

"We are proud to partner with Special Olympics to help support these remarkable athletes and their communities," said Rob Solomon, GoFundMe CEO. "GoFundMe's mission is to empower people to help people, and Special Olympics has been helping to empower people with intellectual disabilities for almost 50 years. It's an honor to share the stories of these competitors who have overcome obstacles."   

Over 2,700 athletes from over 100 countries will compete in nine sports at the Special Olympics World Winter Games in Austria next month. Special Olympics is more than a sports organization—it is creating a worldwide movement that highlights inclusion and community, where every individual is accepted and included. For many competitors, it's a life-changing experience.

The GoFundMes created for these athletes will not only share each of their personal stories, but help them on their journey to the Games with expenses related to travel, training, equipment, coaching, and accommodations.

"We are excited to collaborate with GoFundMe to help further drive support for our incredible athletes and tell their personal stories of achievement, bravery and inspiration as they prepare for the World Games" said Mary Davis, CEO, Special Olympics.  

The Special Olympics World Winter Games will take place March 14 through March 25 in Graz, Schladming, Rohrmoos and Ramsau, Austria. Many of the Special Olympics ambassadors and influencers will be attending the Games to cheer on these amazing athletes from the stands. Additionally, eight Olympic athletes, including Julia Mancuso and Apolo Ohno, shared messages of encouragement to Special Olympic athletes in a video embodying Special Olympics founder Eunice Kennedy's message of hope and victory.

To donate and learn more about their stories, and view all Special Olympic GoFundMes, visit: gofundme.com/specialolympics

About GoFundMe
Launched in 2010, GoFundMe is the world's largest social fundraising platform, with over $3 billion raised so far. With a community of more than 25 million donors, GoFundMe is changing the way the world gives. Find us on Twitter, Facebook, and Instagram.

About Special Olympics
Special Olympics is a global movement that unleashes the human spirit through the transformative power and joy of sports, every day around the world. We empower people with intellectual disabilities to become accepted and valued members of their communities, which leads to a more respectful and inclusive society for all. Using sports as the catalyst and programming around health and education, Special Olympics is fighting inactivity, injustice and intolerance. Founded in 1968 by Eunice Kennedy Shriver, the Special Olympics movement has grown to more than 5.3 million athletes and Unified partners in 170 countries. With the support of more than 1 million coaches and volunteers, Special Olympics delivers 32 Olympic-type sports and over 108,000 games and competitions throughout the year. Special Olympics is supported by individuals, foundations and partners. Click here for a full list of partners. Visit Special Olympics at www.specialolympics.org. Engage with us on: Twitter @specialolympics, fb.com/specialolympics, youtube.com/specialolympicshq, instagram.com/specialolympics and specialolympicsblog.wordpress.com.

SOURCE GoFundMe

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