Jack Grealish ‘proud’ after being named ambassador for Special Olympics GB

The Manchester City and England star has been named as principal ambassador for the charity with the aim of raising visibility of their work

Sports Staff
Thursday 09 June 2022 08:00 BST
Comments
Jack Grealish has thrown his support behind Special Olympics GB
Jack Grealish has thrown his support behind Special Olympics GB (Special Olympics GB)

Your support helps us to tell the story

From reproductive rights to climate change to Big Tech, The Independent is on the ground when the story is developing. Whether it's investigating the financials of Elon Musk's pro-Trump PAC or producing our latest documentary, 'The A Word', which shines a light on the American women fighting for reproductive rights, we know how important it is to parse out the facts from the messaging.

At such a critical moment in US history, we need reporters on the ground. Your donation allows us to keep sending journalists to speak to both sides of the story.

The Independent is trusted by Americans across the entire political spectrum. And unlike many other quality news outlets, we choose not to lock Americans out of our reporting and analysis with paywalls. We believe quality journalism should be available to everyone, paid for by those who can afford it.

Your support makes all the difference.

Jack Grealish has pledged his support for people with intellectual disabilities with a new role with Special Olympics GB.

The Manchester City and England star has been named as principal ambassador for the charity with the aim of raising visibility of their work to drive support and opportunities for the 1.5 million people who live with intellectual disabilities in Great Britain.

Grealish has committed to using his platform to shine a light on the role that Special Olympics GB plays in driving inclusion and creating possibilities for all individuals to be accepted regardless of their ability or disability.

“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," he said. "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.”

Special Olympics GB, set up in 1978, is a non-profit charity which provides year-round sports coaching and athletic competition in summer and winter sports for children and adults with intellectual disabilities.

CEO Colin Dyer is delighted to have Grealish on board and hopes others will now follow.

“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," he said.

"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.”

Join our commenting forum

Join thought-provoking conversations, follow other Independent readers and see their replies

Comments

Thank you for registering

Please refresh the page or navigate to another page on the site to be automatically logged inPlease refresh your browser to be logged in