News
May 26, 2016Special Olympics Office Games Rally Corporate Spirit
Just in time for the kickoff of Summer Olympics in Rio, companies in the Capital Region will be buzzing with their own kind of games—except instead of competing for gold medals they’ll be contributing to a good cause.
Special Olympics New York(SONY)has launched their innovative, new fundraiser called Office Games as a fun way to engage corporate partners and their employees by participating in workplace-appropriate challenges that will inspire friendly competition and boost morale.
Companies who sign up to be a sponsor receive their Office Games kit—think board game meets briefcase—that contains all the necessary game pieces and instructions, as well as motivational stories and heartwarming photographs featuring local Special Olympic athletes. The organization, which promotes understanding, acceptance and inclusion between people with and without intellectual disabilities, is hoping this new fundraising effort will raise awareness in a fun and unique way.
Jennifer Frame, Director of Development for Special Olympics New York, said “We wanted to do something fun that would tie in with our mission while building meaningful partnerships and help to raise the funds needed send our athletes to the games. We’re hoping it’s a way for companies to engage with our athletes as well as with their own employees.”
Several local companies have jumped on board to sponsor and participate in Office Games, including AYCO, Fingerpaint, Vent Fitness and Sunmark Federal Credit Union, all of which are often looked at for having forward-thinking cultures and an affinity for giving back to the community.
“The Sunmark Charitable Community Foundation is honored to partner with the 2016 Special Olympics as a gold sponsor. We’re thrilled to be a part of the first Office Games. This one of a kind program gives us the opportunity to offer a unique team building experience to our staff while raising awareness and funds to support the Special Olympics and continue to grow our partnership”, said Audrey Stone, Sales and Marketing Specialist for Sunmark.
Activities in the Office Games kit include binder clip diving, office soccer, a desk chair sprint and brain teasers. Funds raised from Office Games will help cover the cost for Special Olympic athletes to compete in various games throughout the year. The all-inclusive “briefcase” kit was designed by recent College of Saint Rose Graduate and Graphic Designer Sarah Cioffi.
Sarah Martinez, Senior Director of Development explains, “Our athletes get so much out of competing in the games and bonding with their coaches and other competitors. We hope this added layer of building relationships with our community strengthens this important bond between our organization and our corporate partners.”
Companies interested in learning more about Office Games, connecting with athletes or sponsoring Special Olympics New York can visit www.officegames.org.
