Special Olympics Unified Cup 2018

New Delhi, 11 July, 2018

Special Olympics Unified Cup 2018 send-off held at Taj Palace, New Delhi

Herbalife Nutrition partners with the Special Olympics Bharat Athletes for Special Olympics Unified Cup 2018

Supported by Herbalife Nutrition, a football team of six athletes with intellectual disability and 5 mainstream athletes from India were given a rousing send-off held at Taj Palace, New Delhi. The team was presented with the games kit and mementos by Herbalife Nutrition who is the exclusive sponsor for the Special Olympics Bharat athletes.

Having practised across training camps held every month since March 2018 and regularly in their respective states, the team is geared to face global competition at the Unified Cup in Chicago (SOUFC 2018). The participants and coaches arrived from the states of Delhi, Goa, Maharashtra, Punjab, Kerala and Rajasthan to depart for the big event where they will represent India.

The preparation and participation of the Indian contingent from Special Olympics Bharat is being supported exclusively by Herbalife Nutrition, the premier global nutrition company. Herbalife Nutrition has partnered with Special Olympics Bharat to train and develop athletes with intellectual disabilities.

Speaking on the occasion, Mr. Ajay Khanna, Vice President and Country Head, Herbalife Nutrition India Said, “The Special Olympics Unified Cup could not be more exciting, and we are happy to partner with the Indian contingent to bring the sporting glory to our country. We have been associated with Special Olympic Bharat over the years and are proud of the talented athletes they nurture. The aim is to support our athletes who represent our country on the global arena and make the entire nation proud.”

Five times World Amateur Boxing Champion and Herbalife Sponsored Athlete Mary Kom was present at the event said, “Special Olympics Unified Sports is a great initiative and it is amazing that the women from our country will be representing our nation at the Unified Cup 2018. Wishing the entire team all the very best for the game.”

India’s Senior National Badminton Champion and Herbalife Sponsored Athlete Saina Nehwal said, “The athletes representing our country from the Special Olympics Bharat team are extremely special and have undergone immense training to reach this platform. It takes a lot of courage and endurance to do what this team does. I am very delighted to be associated with Herbalife Nutrition who takes such great initiatives to elevate such talent. All the best to the entire team for the game.”

The Unified Cup Chicago (SOUFC 2018), will be held from 17-20 July 2018

The five day Unified Football Cup is a celebration of the 50th Anniversary of Special Olympics. 24 teams (16 male and 8 female) will be participating from Bharat (India), Brazil, Canada, China, Ecuador, France, Germany, Italy, Japan (Nippon),Kenya, Korea, Mexico, Nigeria, Russia, Slovakia, United Arab Emirates, United States and Uruguay. While the Male teams will be playing the 11-a-side competitions, the Unified female teams will clash in 7-a-side matches. Special Olympics Bharat is sending a Unified Football female team to the competition.

Special Olympics Unified Cup 2018 send-off held at Taj Palace, New Delhi

About Special Olympics Bharat

Special Olympics Bharat is a National Sports Federation having presence across all the States and Union Territories of India. SO Bharat is accredited by Special Olympics Inc, Washington, USA to conduct Special Olympics Programs all over India.

Special Olympics is a global inclusion movement using sport, health, education and leadership programs every day around the world to end discrimination against and empower people with intellectual disabilities. Founded in 1968, and celebrating its 50th Anniversary this year, the Special Olympics movement has grown to more than 5 million athletes and Unified partners in more than 170 countries. With the support of more than 1 million coaches and volunteers, Special Olympics delivers 32 Olympic-type sports and over 108,000 games and competitions throughout the year.

Special Olympics Bharat is recognized by the Government of India as a National Sports Federation in the Priority Category for the development of Sports for Persons with Intellectually Disability and has been designated as the Nodal Agency by the Government for all disabilities on account of its national presence, outreach and experience.

About Herbalife:

Herbalife Nutrition is a global nutrition company whose purpose is to make the world healthier and happier. The Company has been on a mission for nutrition – changing people's lives with great nutrition products and programs - since 1980. Together with our Herbalife Nutrition independent distributors, we are committed to providing solutions to the worldwide problems of poor nutrition and obesity, an aging population, skyrocketing public healthcare costs and a rise in entrepreneurs of all ages. Herbalife Nutrition offers high-quality, science-backed products, most of which are produced in Company-operated facilities, one-on-one coaching with an Herbalife Nutrition independent distributor, and a supportive community approach that inspires customers to embrace a healthier, more active lifestyle.

Herbalife Nutrition’s targeted nutrition, weight-management, energy and fitness and personal care products are available exclusively to and through its independent distributors in more than 90 countries. Through its corporate social responsibility efforts, Herbalife Nutrition supports the Herbalife Family Foundation (HFF) and its Casa Herbalife programs to help bring good nutrition to children in need. Herbalife Nutrition is also proud to sponsor more than 190 world-class athletes, teams and events around the globe, including Cristiano Ronaldo, the LA Galaxy, and numerous Olympic teams.