GLOBAL – UNITED STATES, AUGUST 14, 2013 — Y&R has been named as the first-ever global agency-of-record for the Special Olympics marketing efforts.
The account will be led out of Y&R’s New York office, working with the agency’s global network in markets where the Special Olympics operates. A new global, integrated campaign, scheduled to launch early next year, will include TV, print, digital, social media, youth activation and leadership, fundraising efforts and large global events.
Special Olympics is a non-profit movement that addresses inactivity, injustice, intolerance and social isolation by encouraging and empowering people with intellectual disabilities to lead productive and healthier lives as it seeks to create a more welcoming and inclusive society around the world. Over the past 13 years, the movement has evolved and grown at a rapid pace with more than 4.2 million participating athletes representing 170 countries. In addition, the group has added health, education and community building to the work that they do.
Special Olympics chairman and CEO Tim Shriver said: “The evolution and progress of our movement have benefited by the alignment of our brand around the world. We have common language, an enhanced visual identity, a strong brand architecture and a deeply profound experience that is truly transformative.”
“Y&R has already brought us an incredible idea big enough to work across all of our programs. We are privileged to have Y&R help us take Special Olympics into a new era of making communities and societies everywhere more accepting and tolerant for all by focusing on people with Intellectual Disabilities,” added Shriver.
