Manchester City and England star Jack Grealish has been named as a principal Ambassador for Special Olympics Great Britain (SOGB).
The non-profit organisation has issued an announcement confirming Grealish has committed to a long-term role in a bid to help highlight the valuable work the charity is doing in providing opportunities and support for the 1.5million people who live with intellectual disabilities in Great Britain.
Grealish, 26, who joined Premier League winners City from boyhood club Aston Villa last summer in a record £100million transfer, explained how he was keen to get involved with SGOB as it was "close to his heart".
Speaking of his new role with SOGB, Grealish said: “I’ve been thinking for some time about how I can best use the platform football has given me to create a positive change, and it had to be something really close to my heart. Special Olympics GB is such an important organisation, playing a huge role in tackling the lack of inclusion for hundreds of thousands of kids in the UK with intellectual disabilities.
"Nobody should be excluded from opportunities, and I can’t stand bullying or discrimination! In my new role with Special Olympics GB, I’m proud to stand side-by-side with all the children, young people and adults living with intellectual disabilities, and the incredible families who support them.
"I hope that everyone in Great Britain gets behind Special Olympics GB and its incredible athletes and volunteers. So please follow Special Olympics GB on their social channels and together we can start to make a real difference.”
Special Olympics GB has been running for over 50 years and has a vast amount of programmes run by volunteers across the UK, supporting thousands of athletes. SGOB is now ramping up its ambitious plans for their Summer Series of Sport - a brand new format taking place from June to September that will be the largest celebration of intellectual disability sport in Great Britain. This is ahead of the World Summer Games in Berlin next June, with Grealish set to play a key role in boosting awareness and support.
Colin Dyer, CEO of SOGB said: “Everyone at Special Olympics is delighted and excited Jack has agreed to join Special Olympics GB as a principal Ambassador. After a truly challenging time for many people during the pandemic, particularly those with intellectual disabilities, there is so much positive momentum in Special Olympics GB at this time, it is the perfect moment to welcome Jack to the family. We look forward to continuing to add to our diverse group of Ambassadors to accompany Jack on his new mission with Special Olympics GB in the near future.”
Paul Richardson, Chair of Special Olympics GB said: “The fact that Jack’s made the choice to align his brand with Special Olympics GB is testament to the importance of the work we are committed to doing and the ambitious growth plans ahead. Jack shares our vision for an inclusive world for all, driven by the power of sport, through which people with intellectual disabilities live active, healthy and fulfilling lives.
