#Behind The Scenes | Publix Super Market

Each January, Publix associates and customers team up to raise funds and awareness for Special Olympics, an organization focused on empowering individuals with intellectual disabilities. Chances are, you’ve most likely already heard of Special Olympics, but there’s more to this terrific organization’s story than meets the eye.

Take a look at these interesting facts about Special Olympics and Publix’s involvement with this truly special organization.

About the Organization

The Special Olympics was founded by Eunice Kennedy Shriver in the late 1968.
The first Special Olympics Summer Games were held in 1968. More than 1,000 people with intellectual disabilities participated.
The first Special Olympics Winter Games were held in 1977.
Athletes have the opportunity of competing in 32 Olympics-type sports.
Special Olympics is one of only two organizations authorized to use the name “Olympics.”
People with intellectual disabilities began serving as officials in the Games in 1995.
Special Olympics educates others about people with intellectual disabilities. You can read more on their website.
Over 5.5 million athletes with intellectual disabilities are involved in Special Olympics programs worldwide.

Publix’s Involvement

Publix has been an active Special Olympics partner for more than 40 years.
Customers may support Special Olympics at Publix by purchasing a paper torch for $1, $3, $5, $10 or other amounts at the register.
All funds raised during our campaigns go directly to support local and statewide athlete programming.
Since 1993, Publix associates and customers have raised almost $56 million for Special Olympics.
Publix was inducted into the Special Olympics Hall of Fame in 2001.
In 2021, our customers and associates contributed a total of $4.5 million to Special Olympics to ensure athletes were able to train and compete free of cost.

Has your life been positively impacted by Special Olympics in some way? Tell us about it in the comments! Find out more about Publix’s involvement with Special Olympics here.