Two people wearing matching blue sports jerseys are seen on a football field. The jerseys display colorful graphics and the visible text 'European Football Week.' One person has a visible arm tattoo and both appear to be interacting in a supportive manner. The background is outdoors with a blurred fence and greenery.
Stena Line and Special Olympics Ireland
Greatness!
At Stena Line, we’ve spent 30 years connecting people across the Irish Sea. For us, the journey is every bit as important as the destination, and so it’s with great pride that we’re able to embark on this journey together.
Our four-year partnership (2025–2028) with Special Olympics Ireland is our way of connecting courage with top-tier competition. Doing our bit means that every athlete has the chance to compete, grow, and belong among the greats.
The partnership with Special Olympics Ireland aims to raise awareness about inclusion and ability at every level. Over the next four years, Stena Line’s support will help to provide sporting resources needed for 7,000+ athletes across the island of Ireland.
Our partnership is designed to create a lasting legacy:
- Long-term impact: A four-year investment providing support to help Special Olympics Ireland strengthen and grow in key areas such as athlete development, club development, healthy & well-being, and sports competition pathways.
- Empowering communities: Expanding access to sport for children and adults with intellectual disabilities in every corner of Ireland.
- From local to global: Supporting athletes from their first training sessions in local clubs all the way to representing Ireland at Special Olympics World Games.
- Building confidence: Enabling more athletes to experience the pride of achievement, teamwork, and belonging that sport delivers.
Johan Edelman, Trade Director for Stena Line:
"At Stena Line, we believe in removing barriers. Partnering with Special Olympics Ireland allows us to support incredible athletes as they train from the smallest of clubs to the biggest of stages."
In 2026, Dublin will host one of the largest and most inclusive sporting events ever held on the island of Ireland: the Special Olympics Ireland Summer Games.
Stena Line is proud to be working with Special Olympics Ireland in support of the Games, helping bring together 1,277 athletes from across the island. They will be supported by 526 delegation members including coaches, management teams, support staff and medical personnel and powered by 2,500 dedicated volunteers.
For many of these athletes, the Ireland Summer Games 2026 will be the biggest sporting moment of their lives. Every competitor has earned their place through years of training and competition. The Games provide a national stage where athletes can represent their clubs, families, workplaces and local communities with pride.
Delivering an event of this scale takes real backing. That’s why Stena Line is proud to be the Official Partner of the Special Olympics Support an Athlete Campaign.
The campaign gives organisations across the island of Ireland a clear and practical way to get involved - by directly supporting an athlete’s journey to the Games.
The cost to support one athlete’s journey to the Games is €2,380. Whether you contribute to one element or fund an entire place at the Games, every contribution makes a tangible difference and helps ensure no athlete is left behind.
Preparations are already well underway. Funding is needed now to support training programmes, logistics, safeguarding and medical services that will shape the athlete experience in 2026.
Organisations can support an athlete and make payment directly through the ‘Support An Athlete’ campaign at: www.irelandgames.ie
Alternatively, the Corporate Team at Special Olympics Ireland would be delighted to discuss how your organisation can get involved alongside Stena Line and help make the Special Olympics Ireland Summer Games 2026 possible.
We are proud to stand with Special Olympics Ireland and we invite businesses and communities across the island to stand with us.
Copyright Stena Line 2026