Stena Line has announced a new four-year sponsorship agreement with Special Olympics Ireland, running from 2025 to 2028, that underscores the company’s commitment to inclusion, community engagement, and the transformative power of sport.
Through the agreement, Stena Line will support almost 7,000 Special Olympics athletes across the island of Ireland, providing greater access to training, competition, and personal development opportunities — from local club sessions to international representation on the world stage.
The partnership will enable Special Olympics Ireland to expand programmes that build confidence, resilience, and social connection among athletes with intellectual disabilities, while also ensuring that every athlete, regardless of background or circumstance, can reach their full potential both in sport and in life.
“As an athlete, Special Olympics has helped me to develop my sporting talents, make friendships, and grow in confidence and leadership skills,” said Ashwen Maliyakal, a Special Olympics basketball player with Killester Basketball Club.
“It’s about helping everyone to be included and supported to find their full potential and be part of their community. It’s great to see that Stena Line is coming with us on the journey to make that a reality for everyone.”
In announcing the sponsorship, Johan Edelman, Trade Director for Stena Line, said the sponsorship aligns closely with the company’s values and milestones.
“Marking 30 years of service in Dublin and 30 years in Belfast Harbour in November 2025 are significant milestones for Stena Line, and we’re honoured to celebrate them by launching a new four-year partnership with Special Olympics Ireland. Inclusivity and care are the cornerstones of our company; therefore, we’re delighted that we can support these incredible athletes and make a difference in local communities across Ireland.”
Karen Coventry, CEO of Special Olympics Ireland, described the partnership as “transformational” for the organisation and its athletes:
“This partnership with Stena Line marks an exciting new chapter for Special Olympics Ireland and the thousands of athletes we serve. This long-term commitment from Stena Line will have a truly transformational impact, empowering athletes at every level from local clubs to international competition to achieve their personal bests.
“Partnerships like this don’t just fund sport; they change lives, strengthen communities, and champion inclusion across the island of Ireland. We are deeply grateful to Stena Line for standing with us on this journey.”
The collaboration reflects a shared vision between Stena Line and Special Olympics Ireland — to transform lives through sport by promoting inclusion, confidence, and community connection.
The four-year investment will focus on:
- Long-term impact: Strengthening athlete and club development, health and wellbeing programmes, and competition pathways.
- Empowering communities: Expanding access to sport for children and adults with intellectual disabilities nationwide.
- From local to global: Supporting athletes from grassroots training to international competition.
- Building confidence: Helping athletes experience the pride and teamwork that come with sport.
- Celebrating connection: Linking Stena Line’s 30-year Irish Sea milestone with a renewed commitment to empowering communities through sport.
The partnership launch was attended by Special Olympics athletes Lucy Hayles, Ashwen Maliyakal, Master Mark Roberts and Sam Hayes, marking the beginning of what both organisations described as a long-term collaboration built on shared values and social impact.
Further Reading for Sport for Business members:
Read our Sport for Business Coverage of Special Olympics
SPORT FOR BUSINESS Upcoming Events
November 20th – Playing for the Planet – A new event focused on Sustainability in Sport with the Department of Culture, Communications and Sport
December 9th – Our 12th Annual Women in Sport Conference in partnership with Lidl.
January – The Sporting Year Ahead 2026 in partnership with Teneo.
Sport for Business Podcasts
MEMBERSHIP AND EVENTS
Special Olympics Ireland, as well as all the leading sporting and business organisations in and around the world of sport, are among the 300+ members of the Sport for Business community.
This includes all of the leading sports and sponsors, as well as commercial and state agencies, individuals interested in our world, and an increasing number from beyond these shores taking a keen interest in Ireland.
Find out more about becoming a member today.
Or sign up for our twice-daily bulletins to get a flavour of the material we cover.
Sign up for our News Bulletins here.
