Special Olympics support activity returns for 2026
DRINKS giant Coca-Cola Europacific Partners (CCEP) has partnered with the Special Olympics once again to bring back its Meals That Matter campaign for 2026.
The national campaign looks to highlight athletes with intellectual disabilities through the Special Olympics by using everyday retail moments to spotlight and challenge how they are seen across the UK.
Running in partnership with the Co-op, for every Co-op lunchtime meal deal purchased that includes a 500ml bottle or can of Coca-Cola Original Taste, Coca-Cola Zero Sugar or Diet Coke, 25p will be donated to Special Olympics GB.
CCEP said the Meals That Matter campaign seeks to raise funds whilst also changing consumer perceptions by placing athletes with intellectual disabilities into everyday retail environments where millions of people will encounter them as role models.
In 2025, the campaign the Special Olympics GB team with prominent in-store images of its athletes over a period of 12 weeks and delivered on some clear results with over 350,000 deals sold across 2,400 Co-op stores in the UK and almost £80,000 raised for Special Olympics GB.
The campaign has now returned for 2026 and will run until 19 May in all Co-op stores nationwide. Fronting the campaign for 2026 is Angus Leckonby who will appear across in-store materials across participating Co-op stores.
Additionally, simmer Taylor McKenzie, gymnast Ellie-Bea Thomas and table tennis player Alex Rae will all feature in later promotional bursts throughout 2026.
Holly Firmin, senior community partnerships manager at CCEP, said: “Meals That Matter is about bringing people together – whether through sport, work, or something as simple as picking up lunch. The core message remains simple: everyone wins when you choose to include.
“The response from Co-op shoppers last year was fantastic, and seeing the level of engagement with the campaign speaks for itself. Hearing directly from athletes about what this campaign means to them and their communities makes it even more worthwhile. It shows what’s possible when everyone is given the chance to thrive.”
