Special Olympics GB, part of the global Special Olympics movement, is a non-profit organisation and the largest provider of year-round, sports coaching and athletic competitions for children and adults with intellectual disabilities. Founded in 1978, the organisation currently operates more than 120 accredited clubs in England, Scotland and Wales, providing approximately 27,000 hour-long sporting sessions per year, delivered by a team of more than 4,000 volunteers.
Gallagher won the appointment as a result of its comprehensive understanding of Special Olympics GB’s strategic goals and the risk and insurance requirements of the organisation, plus the strength of the broker’s dedicated charity practice.
The appointment follows Gallagher becoming Platinum Partner of the global Special Olympics movement in March 2020, supporting its mission to deliver high-quality training and sport experiences to more than five million athletes in over 240 local programmes across the globe.
Gallagher is a leading provider of insurance and risk management advice to the not-for-profit and the voluntary sector, and looks after more than 8,000 charitable organisations in the UK, from youth clubs and small community-based groups to some of the largest and well-known charities.
Garry Hockey, Manager, Gallagher’s charity practice, commented: “Special Olympics GB offers participants more than just an opportunity to take part in sport – it transforms lives. Reinforcing our position as one of the leading insurance brokers operating in the charity sector, we are proud to be building on our relationship with Special Olympics GB by being appointed broker - and look forward to supporting the organisation with its risk management and insurance requirements over the coming years, as it seeks to open more doors to inclusion in sport.”
Laura Baxter, Interim Chief Operating Officer, Special Olympics GB said: “We are absolutely delighted to be working with Gallagher moving forward. This continues Special Olympics GB’s ambition of working with the best-in-class to manage risk and governance. Gallagher has an outstanding reputation and their knowledge and understanding of not only the charity sector, but Special Olympics as a whole, gives us huge confidence we are working with the right partners. Many thanks to everyone involved at Gallagher for making this as smooth a process as possible.”