As the Opening Ceremony of the Special Olympics Canada Winter Games Calgary 2024 approaches, city businesses are embracing the event and lending their support. Safeway, Sobeys and IGA grocery stores throughout Alberta are now carrying a flavourful, non-alcoholic mocktail created by Calgary-based Burwood whose sales will directly support the Special Olympics Canada Winter Games Calgary 2024.
Burwood will donate a portion of the proceeds for every can sold of the newPassionfruit No-Jito (non-alcoholic mocktail) to support the more than 800 athletes and their coaches from Canada’s 12 Provincial/Territorial Special Olympics chapters who will compete in alpine skiing, five-pin bowling, cross-country skiing, curling, figure skating, floor hockey, snowshoeing, and speed skating, February 27 – March 2, 2024.
“This initiative is another wonderful example of Calgary businesses embracing the Games and the opportunity to play a role in helping to create more inclusive, diverse and equitable communities while finding unique ways to have meaningful impacts on athletes with an intellectual disability,” said Cheryl Bernard, Chief Executive Officer, Canada’s Sports Hall of Fame and Co-Chair of the Special Olympics Canada Winter Games Calgary 2024.
Working with retail partners including Safeway, Sobeys and IGA, Burwood has established a goal of raising $90,000 for the Games through the sales of the non-alcoholic beverage. Funds raised will help support staging the eight sporting competitions, community events and activations.
“In the spirit of celebration, Burwood is elated to announce our partnership with the Special Olympics Canada Winter Games Calgary 2024, raising a toast with our vibrant, non-alcoholic No-Jito,” said the Burwood Team. “Together, we blend the essence of joy, unity, and inspiration, creating a refreshing mix of support for athletes who exemplify courage and determination. Here's to a spirited collaboration that transcends boundaries, as we craft a taste of triumph at the heart of the Special Olympics Canada Winter Games Calgary 2024.”
The new Non-Alcoholic Passionfruit No-Jito is made with 100 per cent real ingredients including passion fruit puree, fresh mint, and lime juice. The product will be available in Safeway, Sobeys and IGA stores throughout Alberta, February 1 – March 31, 2024.
Safeway, a platinum partner of the 2024 Special Olympics Canada Winter Games, will host the largest community-wide celebration for Calgarians to show their support for the Games.
The Safeway Champions Celebration, slated for March 2 from 10 a.m. to 1 p.m., in Olympic Plaza will be a FREE event for the whole family that will include a pancake breakfast, fun prize giveaways, and on-ice performances, while cheering on the medalists as they take the podium for an awards presentation.
“As the largest corporate partner in the history of Special Olympics Canada, we are thrilled to sponsor the Special Olympics Canada Winter Games Calgary 2024. For decades, Safeway has stood alongside Special Olympics to helpbuild inclusive communities while breaking down barriers for individuals with intellectual disabilities. Through initiatives like the sale of Burwood's Passionfruit No-Jito in our stores across the province and the Safeway Champions Celebration, we will help lift up Special Olympics athletes in their pursuit of excellence” said Renée Hopfner, Head of Corporate Citizenship for Empire Company Limited.
About Special Olympics Canada Winter Games Calgary 2024
Calgary is ready to welcome the nation Feb. 27 to Mar. 2, 2024, for the Special Olympics Canada Winter Games Calgary 2024. Over 4,000 visitors, including athletes, coaches, and officials, along with their families and friends, will gather in Canada’s winter sport capital.
Participants who qualified through their Provincial and Territorial Games, will compete in eight sports at seven venues throughout Calgary. The Games are a qualifying event for Special Olympics World Winter Games 2025. Together, we will create an experience of a lifetime for these deserving athletes!
For more information about the Games, please visit calgary2024.specialolympics.ca or follow us on our social channels Twitter / Instagram / Facebook / LinkedIn
Media Contacts:
Chris Dornan
Special Olympics Canada Winter Games Calgary 2024
Communications Manager
403-620-8731
Karen White-Boswell
Director, External Communications
Sobeys Capital Inc
416-779-2319
Karen.White-Boswell@Sobeys.com
