Stena Line at launch of Special Olympics Ireland Summer Games 2026

On your marks to make a difference!

Stena Line calls on businesses to back Special Olympics Ireland’s ‘Support an Athlete’ campaign.

Stena Line has issued a rallying call to all Irish businesses to weigh-in behind Special Olympics Ireland’s ‘Support an Athlete’ campaign.

In October 2025 Stena Line announced a new four-year sponsorship of Special Olympics Ireland, running until 2028.

The Special Olympics Ireland Summer Games, which were officially launched on Thursday, will be the first major event under the sponsorship, with 1,277 athletes coming together from June 18-21, to show their skills and compete across 12 different sports on a national stage.

The Special Olympics Ireland Summer Game, which kick off with an Opening Ceremony at Tallaght Stadium on June 18th, will be the largest inclusive sporting event on the island of Ireland in 2026, and will be a platform for athletes from every corner of Ireland to come together and experience the joy of sport, make new friends, and develop their physical and mental well-being.

Stena Line’s sponsorship underscores the Swedish-owned ferry company’s strong commitment to inclusion, equal opportunities, and the belief that sport can transform lives.

Through Stena Line’s support, over 6,000 Special Olympics Ireland athletes from communities across the island of Ireland will gain greater access to year-round training and competition opportunities, as well as access to health and leadership programmes through a dedicated network of clubs, volunteers, coaches and partners.

Special Olympics Ireland Chief Executive Karen Coventry said the Stena Line partnership will make a difference to the lives of athletes right across the country.

She said: “We are incredibly proud to have Stena Line included in our family of supporters. This is a partnership which truly transcends sport.

“Stena Line’s support will help to provide opportunities for thousands of athletes to access sport, health and leadership programmes through Special Olympics Ireland, but more than that, it will give athletes the platform to develop their physical fitness, demonstrate courage, experience joy, and build skills and friendships that last a lifetime. This is the very core of what Special Olympics Ireland is all about and we’re delighted to have Stena Line embark on this journey with us.”

Orla Noonan, Travel Commercial Manager (Irish Sea) said: “Stena Line is proud to be supporting Special Olympics Ireland, and we are honoured to help the athletes reach incredible milestones.

“Inclusivity and care are at the heart of Stena Line and we’re proud to support these remarkable athletes and create a positive impact in communities across Ireland.

“Partnerships like this one do more than just support sport – they transform lives, strengthen communities and promote true inclusion.”

Stena Line is reaching out to partners and customers, encouraging them to get involved in supporting these remarkable athletes. Staff from Stena Line will also be getting involved, with a huge fundraising drive planned for the coming months.

Passengers will also be given an opportunity to contribute to the scheme with collection points located on board Stena Line’s vessels.

You can get involved in different ways as an individual or as a team through Corporate Giving, Community Fundraising, Philanthropy or Gift In Kind.

To back the ‘Support an Athlete’ scheme visit https://irelandgames.ie/support-an-athlete. To book your next trip with Stena Line visit https://www.stenaline.co.uk/