Brooks Running Company and the 2018 Special Olympics USA Games Organizing Committee stated that Brooks has signed on as a partner of the 2018 USA Games. More than 4,000 athletes and coaches from across the U.S. will participate in the Special Olympics USA Games in Seattle from July 1-6, 2018.
As part of its 2018 USA Games partnership, Brooks will:
• Introduce a limited-edition 2018 USA Games performance running shoe as well as a line of co-branded performance apparel launching in summer 2018.
• Donate a portion of each sale of co-branded merchandise to the 2018 USA Games.
• Provide a free pair of Brooks running shoes to athletes participating in the Special Olympics Healthy Athletes Fit Feet program at the 2018 USA Games. Special Olympics Fit Feet offers athletes free podiatric screenings to evaluate ankles, feet and lower extremity biomechanics.
• Bring the support of 300 Brooks employees, partners and local running enthusiasts to volunteer at the 2018 USA Games.
“The 2018 Special Olympics USA Games honors and celebrates the power of sport in people’s lives. We are thrilled to partner with an organization that shares our purpose of inspiring everyone to run and be active,” said Jim Weber, Brooks Running CEO. “Running is truly the most inclusive sport the world has ever known and we’re excited to bring our Run Happy spirit to the 4,000 athletes and coaches, and the 70,000 spectators, partners and volunteers who will join us at the USA Games.”
“Partnering with Seattle-based Brooks and its employees is an opportunity to connect them with athletes both locally and nationally. Brooks’ commitment to the community and to helping athletes prove that there are no bounds to their abilities is a terrific match for the mission of the 2018 USA Games,” said Beth Knox, CEO and president of the 2018 Special Olympics USA Games. “The company’s passion for running and fitness will inspire our athletes as well as spectators at the 2018 USA Games.”
In addition, two members of the Brooks Beasts Track Club – Katie Mackey and Izaic Yorks – will serve as 2018 USA Games Ambassadors and help amplify the Special Olympics message of diversity, unity and inclusion. Mackey and Yorks both graduated from the University of Washington (UW) following distinguished collegiate careers before joining the Brooks Beasts. Mackey competed in the 2016 U.S. Olympic Trials and is the 2017 U.S. Road Mile Champion. Yorks, whose sister has developmental and physical disabilities, brings a natural connection to the mission of the Special Olympics USA Games and personal passion to his role as an ambassador. He is the UW school record holder in the 1,500-meter run and also competed at the 2016 U.S. Olympic Trials.
Brooks joins other 2018 Special Olympics USA Games partners including Microsoft, Kaiser Permanente, ESPN, The Coca-Cola Company, Bank of America, KPMG, Starbucks, The Boeing Company and Alaska Airlines.
Photo courtesy Brooks
