January 12, 2024 – Special Olympics Virginia and Publix Super Markets are teaming up once again on a mission-driven collaboration to help Special Olympics athletes throughout Virginia and the southeast United States.
From January 12 through 21, 2024, the organizations will hold the annual Torch Icon Campaign at Publix, bringing together Publix associates, customers and local communities to support more than 22,000 Athletes Special Olympics athletes in Virginia and beyond. The first Torch Icon Campaign was held in 1993.
During the campaign, customers who visit their local Publix can help support their state’s athletes with a donation. All customers who donate will receive over $25 in coupon savings, including exclusive savings on Procter & Gamble brands like Crest, Always, Olay, Old Spice, Gillette and Pampers. Donations can be made at the register during check out for as little as $1 or a specific desired amount.
Since 1993, more than $71 million dollars has been raised through the Torch Icon Campaign, helping Special Olympics athletes to develop their physical and mental wellness, demonstrate courage and experience the power of sports with their family, friends and their local communities.
“Since 2017, when Publix opened the first store in Virginia, their tireless efforts have ensured the success and growth of our partnership and the annual Torch Icon Campaign,” said David Thomason, President Special Olympics Virginia. That success has empowered our 21,000 Special Olympics Virginia athletes to discover and achieve their personal bests, in all parts of their lives. We are so grateful to Publix associates and customers for being such an integral part of the Special Olympics Virginia team.”
Both Special Olympics Virginia and Publix have a long history of working to improve the lives of people with intellectual disabilities. Special Olympics Virginia offers year-round sports training and competition, critical health services, leadership development, and inclusive programming for its athletes. Publix employs many of those athletes and, for decades, has encouraged people with disabilities to become Publix associates.
“We are honored to support Special Olympics Virginia in showing the world the incredible talents and gifts of its athletes and all people with intellectual disabilities,” said Jared Glover, Publix media relations manager. “The annual Torch Icon Campaign is a highlight of the year for our associates, and we are proud to be part of such an inspiring mission.”
Special Olympics Virginia serves more than 22,000 athletes who compete at the local, state, national and international levels. In addition to training and competition for these athletes, Special Olympics Virginia provides Fitness Programming to over 19,000 athletes and Health Exams to over 450 athletes per year.
About Special Olympics Virginia:
Special Olympics Virginia’s mission is to provide year-round sports training and athletic competition in a variety of Olympic-type sports for persons with intellectual disabilities, giving them continuing opportunities to develop physical fitness, demonstrate courage, experience joy, and participate in the sharing of gifts, skills and friendship with their families, other Special Olympics athletes and the community.
About Publix Super Markets
Publix, the largest employee-owned company in the U.S. with more than 250,000 associates, currently operates 1,361 stores in Florida, Georgia, Alabama, Tennessee, South Carolina, North Carolina, Virginia and Kentucky. For 26 consecutive years, the company has been recognized by Fortune as a great place to work. In addition, Publix’s dedication to superior quality and customer service is recognized among the top in the grocery business. For more information, visit the company’s newsroom at corporate.publix.com/newsroom.