GCI extends longtime partnership with Special Olympics Alaska through 2028
ANCHORAGE, Alaska – Building on its decades of support for Special Olympics Alaska (SOAK), GCI has renewed its commitment as the organization’s presenting sponsor and official technology sponsor through 2028. Since first teaming up in 1999, GCI has helped fuel SOAK’s mission with millions in support, and the new agreement adds more than $370,000 over the next three years to keep that momentum going.
Each year, GCI will provide approximately $100,000 in cash and nearly $20,000 in in-kind contributions to support SOAK’s statewide events, athlete training, and fundraising efforts, including the Polar Plunge and matching funds for Pick.Click.Give. The sponsorship also includes technology support, promotional resources, and travel assistance to help athletes reach competitions across Alaska and beyond.
“At GCI, we believe in showing up for our communities, and that’s exactly what Special Olympics Alaska athletes do every day,” said GCI Senior Program Manager of Contributions & Events Tiffany Vassar. “They show up with heart, grit and determination. We’re honored to continue supporting their journey and to help create more opportunities for them to compete and connect.”
The renewed sponsorship also supports the organization through the CARE Miles Donation Program, a partnership with Alaska Airlines that helps cover travel costs for SOAK athletes, coaches and staff. GCI and Alaska Airlines recently announced they will match public donations up to one million miles.
“GCI has been a true champion for our athletes for more than two decades,” said Sarah Arts, President and CEO of Special Olympics Alaska. “Their support goes far beyond funding. It’s about believing in our mission and helping us break down barriers so athletes can focus on what they do best: competing, growing and inspiring.”
GCI is one of Alaska’s leaders in corporate philanthropy, donating approximately $2 million each year in cash, products and connectivity to organizations across the state. GCI is committed to giving back to the communities it serves and provides employees with 16 hours of paid leave to volunteer with local organizations. In 2024, nearly 500 GCI employees volunteered more than 5,000 hours. For more information about GCI Gives, visit www.gci.com/gcigives.
For more information about Special Olympics Alaska and how to support the CARE Miles program, visit www.specialolympicsalaska.org.
About GCI
Headquartered in Alaska, GCI provides data, mobile, voice and managed services to consumer, business, government, and carrier customers throughout Alaska, serving more than 200 communities. The company has invested $4.7 billion in its Alaska network and facilities over the past 45 years. Through a combination of ambitious network initiatives, GCI continues to expand and strengthen its statewide network infrastructure to deliver the best possible connectivity to its customers and close the digital divide in Alaska. Learn more about GCI at www.gci.com. GCI is an independent publicly traded company (Nasdaq: GLIBA, GLIBK, GLIBB) Learn more at https://www.gciliberty.com/.