Platinum sponsor of Special Olympics Ireland, Gala Retail, has announced the launch of a range of limited-edition reusable shopping bags that will help to raise funds for Special Olympics Ireland. The convenience retail Group has teamed up with Dublin-based artist, illustrator and muralist, Claire Prouvost who created a bespoke illustration for the bag that incorporates the spirit and sports of Special Olympics Ireland and its athletes.
The limited-edition range of reusable shoppers are available to purchase online from the 1st March at www.gala.ie for €15, with all profits from sales being donated to Special Olympics Ireland to support the delivery of services and events for athletes across Ireland.
CEO of Gala Retail, Gary Desmond was joined by Matt English, CEO of Special Olympics Ireland; Special Olympics athletes Ayoub Deboub and Una Coates, who is also an online leader on RTE’s Operation Transformation this year and artist and designer, Claire Prouvost for the launch of the reusable shoppers.
Gala Retail has been a sponsor of Special Olympics Ireland since 2015, supporting the organisation through World Games, Winter Games and Ireland Games events. In recent years due to challenges presented by the pandemic, this competition cycle has all but ceased and Special Olympics Ireland hopes that 2022 will see a return to sports and competitions for the organisation and its athletes.
Gala Retail.
Photo Fennell Photography / Copyright 2022
Funds raised from sales of the limited-edition reusable shopper bags from Gala Retail will offer further support to the organisation, aiding the organisation in the delivery of the upcoming advancement games that will give athletes the opportunity to qualify for a much sought after spot in the delegation for travelling to the 2023 Special Olympics World Games in Berlin.
Speaking at the launch, CEO of Gala Retail, Gary Desmond said:
“Gala is proud to sponsor Special Olympics Ireland and to support the organisation in continuing to deliver its valuable services. By creating this exclusive range of reusable shopping bags that celebrate the spirit of Special Olympics Ireland, we aim to raise additional funds to support the great initiatives Special Olympics provides throughout Ireland and get athletes back to the sports and competitions they love.
“The bold and colourful style that designer, Claire, has created for the bags perfectly encapsulates the essence of what Special Olympics Ireland is all about – community, sport and the joy this brings Special Olympics athletes across the country. By purchasing one of these bags, people can show their support for Special Olympics in style!”
Gala Retail.
Photo Fennell Photography / Copyright 2022
CEO of Special Olympics Ireland, Matt English adds:
“Special Olympics Ireland is thrilled that Gala Retail has launched these limited-edition reusable shoppers in support of our organisation and athletes.
“Bright, vibrant and representative of what Special Olympics Ireland stands for, we can’t wait to see people across the country using this bag with pride, showing their support for Special Olympics Ireland and its athletes and raising awareness of the work that we do.”
Artist and designer of the bags, Claire Provoust is a rising star in the Irish art scene and has delivered work ranging from large-scale murals across the country to designing for big name brands like Gucci and Brown Thomas.
Speaking about creating the print for the bags, Claire Prouvost, said:
“I was honoured that Gala Retail approached me to create a design for this campaign. Learning about Special Olympics Ireland and its commitment to its athletes, promoting joy, friendship and community through sport was really inspiring and I wanted to capture that connection and joy in my design.
“These limited-edition bags are a fantastic way for people to support Special Olympics Ireland and the great work it does, while promoting the use of reusable bags and adding a splash of colour to their everyday lives!”
Gala Retail has been a platinum partner of Special Olympics Ireland since 2015. The limited-edition range of reusable shoppers are available to purchase online from the 1st March at www.gala.ie for €15, with all profits from sales being donated to Special Olympics Ireland to support the delivery of services and events for athletes across Ireland.