Ahead of the Blackmores Sydney Running Festival next month, Blackmores has announced its partnership with Special Olympics Australia, an initiative the vitamin and supplement brand says is aimed at celebrating diversity and inclusion, introducing “inspirational athletes” to the Blackmores trainer and influencer squad to help break down stigma.
Blackmores says the partnership highlights how many people overcome barriers that may be stopping them from exercising, by encouraging everyone to move in some shape or form, even if it is just more regularly than normal.
“We’re honoured to announce our partnership with Special Olympics Australia,” Blackmores CEO Richard Henfrey said. “Enriching the lives of Australians and helping to guide them on their wellbeing journey – no matter the obstacles they may face – is at the heart of Blackmores’ philosophy.
“We feel passionately about the importance of diversity and inclusion and we believe there is a perfect fit with Special Olympics Australia, who are at the forefront of breaking down the stigma that still exists.
“Like Blackmores, Special Olympics is also committed to encouraging Australians to get involved in sport and to highlight the importance of keeping active. So, it’s a perfect cause for us to champion together.”
Today, about 668,000 Australians live with intellectual disabilities and only 3,000 athletes are involved with Special Olympics Australia, Blackmores says, with more than half of those living with intellectual disabilities being high-functioning individuals who are more than capable of success in sporting events and in the workplace.
Blackmores has sponsored the running festival for 15 years. This year’s event will involve more than 33,000 entrants on a course taking in some of Sydney’s most scenic landmarks and across the Harbour Bridge, on Sunday, September 16.
Blackmores will host training days led by Special Olympics Australia athletes. Special Olympics Australia members will also play a key role on the day of the event, hosting at the Blackmores Recovery Village, firing the start-line gun to kick-start one of the main races and leading the motivation groups there to support people completing the race.
