“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 Olympicshas 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, SpecialOlympics.
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 Olympicathletes, including Julia Mancuso and Apolo Ohno, shared messages of encouragement to Special Olympic athletes in a video embodying Special Olympicsfounder Eunice Kennedy’s message of hope and victory.
To help fund the journeys for all of these athletes on Team USA, there have been several GoFundMe campaigns created by Olympic Athletes, professional football and basketball players, and other influencers to help get them to the games. For more information on GoFundMe’s global partnership with the Special Olympics, and to see the GoFundMes set up for the American competitors, please see below.
Special Olympics USA Floor Hockey by NBA center Andre Drummond (https://www.gofundme.com/sofl
Special Olympics USA Snowshoeing by NFL running back Jamaal Charles (https://www.gofundme.com/sosn
Special Olympics USA Speed Skating by Olympic Speedskater Apolo Ohno (https://www.gofundme.com/sosp
Special Olympics US Snowboarding by Olympic Snowboarder Hannah Teter (https://www.gofundme.com/sosn
Special Olympics US Snowboarding by Olympic Snowboarder Danny Davis (https://www.gofundme.com/sous
Special Olympics USA Figure Skating by E! TV Host Maria Menounos (https://www.gofundme.com/sofi
Special Olympics Athletes from Florida:
Michelle D Canazaro – Alpine Skiing
Kerri Lynn Leonardo – Alpine Skiing
Fernando R Nunez – Alpine Skiing
Allan Louis Lohr – Figure Skating
For a full list of competing athletes, click here: http://www.austria2017.org/en/
To see a full list of GoFundMe campaigns for the Winter Games (or to start your own campaign) click here: https://www.gofundme.com/speci
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.
Visit SpecialOlympics at www.specialolympics.org.
