Supporting Australian athletes with intellectual disabilities and autism
In Australia, over 750,000 people live with an intellectual disability/autism and each of them deserves to be included in sport and physical activity, which is why for more than 33 years, IGA stores across Australia have banded together to partner with and support Special Olympics Australia, a not-for-profit that provides weekly accessible sporting opportunities in local clubs and communities across Australia.
This year, IGA is proud to announce that their 2025 campaign which ran from April 30 – May 20 has raised $274,849.28 for Special Olympics Australia. The funds were raised through the generous support of IGA shoppers, who purchased products marked with a Community Chest ticket over the three-week period. Special Olympics Australia is part of a global inclusion movement, and all funds go to supporting programs and athletes in cities, suburbs, and regional communities across the country.
Speaking to the donation, Special Olympics Australia CEO, Jamie O’Connor said: “A huge thank you to IGA and their shoppers for backing our movement and our athletes. Your support helps people with intellectual disability and autism stay active, connected and doing what they love. Together, we’re creating a more inclusive Australia.”
Metcash’s Senior Marketing Manager – Community/Partnerships/Sponsorships, Helen Kealy said: “We are proud of our long-term partnership with Special Olympics Australia. We’d like to thank our IGA shoppers and retailers for their ongoing support and generous donations which help these athletes to thrive in their chosen sports. As parent of a child with an intellectual disability/autism, this is a cause that is not only very close to my heart but to many. It is so important that we all continue to advocate for inclusion and support not just for those with disabilities, but for their families and carers across Australia.”
To date, the longstanding partnership has raised over $2 million worth of donations to Special Olympics Australia. Shopping local means that the IGA network can continue to help support causes that matter to thousands of communities across the country.
