Stena Line and Special Olympics Ireland celebrate ‘inspiring’ partnership’s anniversary

Stena Line and Special Olympics Ireland are marking one year of their partnership by celebrating the athletes, volunteers and communities the sponsorship has supported  throughout Ireland.

Onboard Stena Estrid, Stena Line crew and three Special Olympics Ireland athletes joined broadcaster, Marie Crowe to sum up the past year, each choosing one word to describe what the partnership means to them.

Stena Line captain, Master Jack Deurden spoke of how inspiring the partnership is to both him and his crew.

“It’s a pleasure for us to meet the athletes, to welcome them onboard and show them around the ship,” he said.

“The dedication and resilience they display really is inspiring and it’s great to be able to have a chat with them, learn a bit about their journey and understand what it takes for these athletes and their families to achieve what they have.”

Other words used to describe the partnership include empowerment, togetherness, equality and opportunity.

Special Olympics Ireland athlete Carrie Doyle said she was delighted to be onboard.

“The Special Olympics has taught me to be a stronger person and has improved my confidence.

“I would like to thank Stena Line for welcoming us on board, showing us the beautiful boat and for listening to us talk about our experience.”

The partnership, which was announced in November 2025, is based on the belief that sport can change lives.

Thanks in part to Stena Line's support, almost 7,000 Special Olympics athletes from communities across the island of Ireland will gain greater access to training, competition and personal development, from grassroots club sessions to representing Ireland on the world stage.

In June, more than 2,500 volunteers who helped deliver the Special Olympics Ireland Summer Games were recognised by Stena Line for their extraordinary contribution to one of the largest ever inclusive sporting events held in Ireland. 

Johan Edelman, Trade Director for Stena Line, said: “We’re honoured to support Special Olympics Ireland and play a part in the journey of these incredible athletes as they make a real difference in local communities across Ireland.

“We’ve been inspired by the dedication and hard work they have displayed throughout the past 12 months.

“Inclusivity and care are an important part of the Stena Line way and the Special Olympics Ireland Summer Games were incredible.

We’re all excited to see the athletes prepare for the Special Olympics World Summer Games in Santiago, Chile next year.”

Celebrating the one-year anniversary, Karen Coventry, CEO of Special Olympics Ireland, said

“Partnerships like this go far beyond funding sport; they change lives, strengthen communities, and champion inclusion across Ireland.

We are deeply grateful to Stena Line for their continued support and for being such an important part of this journey.” 

For more about Stena Line, please visit www.stenaline.co.uk