As an official sponsor, Special Olympics GB say Kerry Group will help to create more inclusive communities, support its athlete leadership programme and champion employability of people with intellectual disabilities.

The collaboration is understood to be part of a broader deal which includes the start of a new relationship with Special Olympics Germany, the host country of the 2023 Special Olympics World Games.

Since the partnership launched in March 2018, Special Olympics claim Kerry Group has helped to encourage 6,539 athletes across Britain, Ireland, Netherlands and Poland to train and compete in 2,022 events.

Edmond Scanlon, chief executive of Kerry Group, said: "As the world leading Taste and Nutrition company, we are committed to making a positive social impact where we can, in a way that is better for communities as part of our Beyond the Horizon sustainability strategy.

"I am delighted to extend our partnership with Special Olympics that will continue to empower their wide network of athletes, families and volunteers.  

"As part of our diversity, inclusion and belonging goals at Kerry, we are challenging ourselves to do more to pathway employment opportunities for people with disability within our business.

"Special Olympics is an organisation that has successfully opened the hearts and minds of the world to people with intellectual disabilities, including so many of us at Kerry, through our interactions and experiences with athletes over the last two years.

"I’m incredibly proud of our partnership to date and look forward to building on the momentum."

Special Olympics GB said 985 athlete leaders had been supported through seminars and mentoring and given opportunities to speak at Kerry Group’s internal events over the past two years.

Michelle Carney, chief executive Special Olympics GB, said the support from Kerry Group had been "commendable".

"When companies talk about inclusion and diversity, Kerry Group have demonstrated time and time again that their commitment to a more inclusive society is more than just words," Carney said.

"It is a partnership based on action across all levels of the organisation and has been truly innovative and meaningful with demonstrable achievements which have had a direct impact on the lives of people with intellectual disabilities and long may it continue."