Coca-Cola, Special Olympics call for more inclusive society

Coca-Cola Nigeria Limited and Special Olympics Nigeria have restated their mutual commitment to work with all stakeholders to advance an inclusive society that promotes equal opportunities for every Nigerian, regardless of any form of disability, to reach for their dreams.

Speaking in Lagos during the reception for the Nigerian contingent to the Special Olympics 2015 World Summer Games held in Los Angeles, United States of America, officials of both organisations said every Nigerian, no matter his physical attributes, deserved the opportunity to actualise his potential.

Speaking at the event, the Managing Director, Coca-Cola Nigeria, Adeola Adetunji, said his company’s longstanding sponsorship of the Special Olympics was in line with the its mission to inspire optimism and make a difference in the communities.

According to Adetunji, as a founding partner of the Special Olympics since 1968, Coca-Cola is pleased that the movement continues to empower and inspire thousands of persons living with intellectual disabilities to believe in their abilities and to reach for their dreams.

He said, “As we celebrate these gallant athletes, let us remember that, they are heroes today only because they had the opportunity provided by Special Olympics. Let us also remember that for each one of these heroes, there are more than a thousand others whose talents and potentials may never be realized and celebrated, just because they have no opportunity. But we, as individuals, as companies, as a society and as a country, must not allow this to be the case.”

Commending two of Coca-Cola’s employees, George Osadalor and Emmanuel Ekomabasi, who were volunteer members of the Special Olympics Nigeria Unified Soccer Team that won the football gold medal at the games, Adetunji said, “Our excitement at this particular victory is enriched by the fact that, these two Coca-Cola Ambassadors were a great inspiration to the victorious soccer team.”