The Summer Olympics may only happen every four years, but for one group of athletes, the experience is year-round. At Special Olympics Texas, athletes with physical and cognitive disabilities from across the state participate in rewarding competitions that build connections and enhance communities. The celebrated organization that began in 1968 relies on donations and corporate partnerships. As the local Coca-Cola bottler for Texas and parts of Arkansas, Oklahoma, and New Mexico, Arca-Continental Coca-Cola Southwest Beverages (CCSWB) is proud to be an impactful sponsor of this life-changing organization.
Whether on the soccer pitch or track and field, Special Olympics Texas (SOT) provides opportunities for competition, social interaction, and personal growth to a unique population, enhancing the lives of athletes with disabilities while promoting a more inclusive and accepting society. As a local company that prioritizes community above all, CCSWB believes in the mission of SOT wholeheartedly. Through financial sponsorship, in-kind donations, and volunteer involvement, CCSWB is committed to elevating the athlete’s experience and promoting inclusivity and support.
CCSWB commits to enhancing the Athlete Experience for local Olympians
By StoryStudio on August 20, 2024
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Pioneering CCSWB’s Support for Special Olympics Texas
An important tenet both SOT and CCSWB share is the value of athletes and the power of sports to change lives. Research shows that participating in Special Olympics helps athletes develop social and conversational skills while boosting self-esteem and physical conditioning. It’s also changing the lives of CCSWB associates too.
Over the years, Renee has become especially close with athlete Shelby Day. Renee met Shelby volunteering for a SOTX event a couple of years ago and says their relationship has brought so much joy to her life. In her 14 years competing in the Special Olympics, Day has won 150-plus medals in equestrian, golf, swimming, basketball, bowling and track and field. Building relationships with athletes like Shelby is why CCSWB set up its “Champions Lounge” for SOT’s Summer and Winter Games. It has become a popular attraction to athletes across the state.
For one CCSWB associate, his company’s involvement in the Special Olympics is especially meaningful.
We’re In This Together
The Special Olympics are more than just games. It’s a transformative international organization supporting more than 5.7 million child and adult athletes worldwide, including nearly 60,000 in Texas alone. In the same way, CCSWB is more than a Coca-Cola bottler. It’s a local company operated by community members for Texas communities. CCSWB’s support for Special Olympics Texas is instrumental to SOT’s continued success and mirrors the company’s commitment to inclusivity and the betterment of all communities it serves.
To learn more about how Arca-Continental Coca-Cola Southwest Beverages supports the community, please visit: cocacolaswb.com.
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CCSWB’s year-round partnership with Special Olympics Texas is in part due to the work of Renee Downey, Area Director of Sales & Operations (Houston), who became a board member for Special Olympics Texas earlier this year. She takes the place of longtime board member and CCSWB VP and Market Unit General Manager, Susanne Brady-Lusk, who has been an advocate of Special Olympics since 2017.
“Being the local bottler, we’re actively engaged in the community, and Special Olympics Texas is one of our focuses,” Downey says. “It brings such joy to me.”
At the Special Olympics, Athletes Come First
“Being the local bottler, we’re actively engaged in the community, and Special Olympics Texas is one of our focuses...It brings such joy to me.”
“The goal of SOT to empower athletes with special needs hits close to home for me... Watching the older athletes progress and excel gives me hope for when my son, Leo, is old enough to participate. Sports have always been a big part of my life, and it's something that Leo and I have bonded over. His love for football and soccer is something we share deeply. Knowing that CCSWB is a major sponsor of the Special Olympics makes me incredibly proud to work here. This is a company that doesn't just talk about values — they truly live them by supporting initiatives that mean so much to families like mine.”
Alexander Alvarado
CCSWB sales execution manager
These are the stories that not only inspire Downey but also reinforce the importance of CCSWB’s partnership with SOT. Funding health screenings for athletes, donating thousands of beverages, supplying dozens of volunteers for competitions, and sponsoring an annual benefit golf tournament in Houston are just a few of the ways CCSWB is providing resources and creating special experiences. Their support of Healthy LEAP (Lifestyle, Education, and Practice) a series of health, nutrition, fitness, and safety lessons and practical applications created specifically for youth with and without intellectual disabilities, gives CCSWB the chance to impact the lives of youth directly.
“The Champions Lounge is a cool place to hang out and meet people,” Day says. “You get to compete with other delegations and make friends with other delegations, too,” Day says. “It’s a lot of fun.” The lounge is a place where athletes can enjoy refreshing Coca-Cola beverages, cool off, and even engage in karaoke.
Renee Downey
Area Director of Sales & Operations (Houston)