Supporting Our Communities

GCI to continue presenting sponsorship of Special Olympics Alaska

The multi-year commitment is a continuation of GCI’s long-running support of the organization

ANCHORAGE, Alaska – GCI has once again signed on to be the presenting sponsor of Special Olympics Alaska. GCI’s multi-year commitment is a significant contribution that will support Special Olympics Alaska’s staff, programs, athletes and advocacy for people with intellectual and developmental disabilities across the state.

“Special Olympics Alaska is right at the heart of the mission statement we have at GCI,” said Paul Landes, Senior Vice President & General Manager of GCI Consumer Services. “We want to be good neighbors, build connections and to be an active part of the community. That’s why GCI has remained a committed partner to Special Olympics Alaska and the talented athletes. I can’t think of a more worthy or joyful mission in all of Alaska.”

In 2018, Landes spearheaded the launch of a $2 million endowment supporting Special Olympics Alaska and led an effort to rename the organization’s facility after its late President & CEO, and longtime volunteer, Jim Balamaci.

“GCI’s sponsorship will enable all of our athletes to participate year-round, and our world class athletes who may be training for the World Games or for the USA Games to really excel,” said Sue Perles, President & CEO of Special Olympics Alaska. “GCI is a very involved sponsor and they demonstrate their commitment all year long. GCI doesn’t just write a check and go away; GCI is there shoulder to shoulder with the organization to help you move forward.”

GCI is also a perennial sponsor of Special Olympics Alaska’s signature fundraising event, the Polar Plunge, where participants take an icy plunge into Anchorage’s Goose Lake. Dozens of GCI employees each year also volunteer to take the plunge and raise funds for Special Olympics Alaska.
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 2019, nearly 550 GCI employees volunteered more than 5,300 hours.

About GCI

GCI provides data, mobile, video, voice and managed services to consumer and business customers throughout Alaska. GCI has delivered services for nearly 40 years to some of the most remote communities and in some of the most challenging conditions in North America. Learn more about GCI at www.gci.com. GCI is a wholly owned subsidiary of GCI Liberty, Inc. (Nasdaq: GLIBA, GLIBP). Learn more about GCI Liberty at www.gciliberty.com.

About Special Olympics Alaska

Special Olympics Alaska provides year-round sports training and athletic competition in a variety of Olympic-type sports for children and adults with intellectual disabilities, giving them continuing opportunities to develop physical fitness to demonstrate courage, to experience joy and to participate in a sharing of gifts, skills and friendship with their families, other Special Olympics athletes and the community.