TORONTO, June 13, 2016 (GLOBE NEWSWIRE) — Special Olympics Canada is pleased to announce Tim Hortons as its newest Platinum National Partner, proudly joining 25 other partners of the Special Olympics Movement in Canada.

“We’re thrilled that Tim Hortons has signed as a Platinum National Partner with Special Olympics Canada,” says Sharon Bollenbach, CEO, Special Olympics Canada. “It is an honour to have such an iconic Canadian brand supporting the movement. Tim Hortons’ support will provide greater resources for Special Olympics in communities across the country so more athletes and families can benefit from the transformative power of sport. I am delighted to officially welcome Tim Hortons to the Special Olympics Family.”

Tim Hortons’ support will directly benefit Special Olympics Canada’s child and youth programs, Active Start and FUNdamentals; in addition, Tim Hortons will serve as an official sponsor of Special Olympics Team Canada as the team begins their journey to the 2017 Special Olympics World Winter Games in Austria in March. Tim Hortons will also provide support to Special Olympics twelve Provincial and Territorial Chapters across the country and for the 2018 National Summer Games taking place in Nova Scotia.

“Tim Hortons is a proud sponsor of sports for children and youth in all communities that we serve,” says David Clanachan, President and COO, Tim Hortons Canada. “We believe that the goal of sports is to have fun, encourage physical activity and build teamwork. We are excited to support Special Olympic athletes and families, and we celebrate the tremendous work that Special Olympics Canada does every day to help spread inclusivity, compassion and understanding through sport.”

As one of North America’s largest quick service restaurants, Tim Hortons will help bring more awareness to Special Olympics in Canada. Through the Tims TV network and other assets, Canadians will learn about the inspiring abilities of those with an intellectual disability and how to get involved in Special Olympics’ world-class community and competitive programs across the country.

Tim Hortons® Overview

TIM HORTONS®, part of Restaurant Brands International, is one of North America’s largest restaurant chains operating in the quick service segment. Founded as a single location in Canada in 1964, TIM HORTONS® appeals to a broad range of consumer tastes, with a menu that includes premium coffee, hot and cold specialty drinks (including lattes, cappuccinos and espresso shots), specialty teas and fruit smoothies, fresh baked goods, grilled Panini and classic sandwiches, wraps, soups, prepared foods and other food products. As of March 31, 2016, TIM HORTONS® had more than 4,400 system wide restaurants located in Canada, the United States and the Middle East. More information about the Company is available at www.timhortons.com.

About Special Olympics Canada

Established in 1969, the Canadian chapter of this international movement is dedicated to enriching the lives of Canadians with an intellectual disability through the transformative power and joy of sport. Operating out of sport clubs in 12 provincial and territorial Chapters, this grassroots movement reaches beyond the sphere of sport to empower individuals, change attitudes and build communities. From two-year-olds to mature adults, more than 40,000 athletes with an intellectual disability are registered in Special Olympics year-round programs across Canada. They are supported by more than 19,000 volunteers, including more than 14,000 trained coaches.

For more information, visit www.specialolympics.ca or follow us on Facebook and Twitter (@SpecialOCanada).

CONTACT: Allison Love 
         Communications Officer
         416-927-9050 ext. 4312
         [email protected]