T Fuller's raised £17,000 for its charity partner, Special Olympics Great Britain, at its annual football tournament.

For the fourth year, teams from across Fuller's, its suppliers and Special Olympics GB came together for the charity football tournament.

Oliver Rosevear, Fuller's Sustainability Director, said: "This year's football tournament was better than ever. Not only did we raise an incredible amount for Special Olympics GB but the day helped raise awareness of the fantastic support the charity offers to thousands of athletes across the country – plus it was heart-warming to see friendships form between our team members and the athletes.

This year's tournament saw 24 teams competing six-a-side matches in unified teams – meaning each team was joined by a Special Olympics GB athlete, with intellectual disabilities.

Special Olympics Essex player in action. (Photo: Fuller's)

A number of the athletes were from Ascot United Warriors and Special Olympics Essex football clubs – including athletes who competed, and won a bronze medal in June, at the Berlin 2023 Special Olympics World Summer Games.

Rosevear said: "The camaraderie between our own teams and with the Special Olympics GB athletes meant the day was one of high spirits – helped by the good weather and the fact we raised so much for our charity partner."

The event was also supported by the League Managers Association (LMA), which provided backing for Team Special Olympics GB's Unified Football team at Berlin 2023.

In attendance on the day were former Nottingham Forest, Glasgow Rangers, Queens Park Rangers and Brentford manager Mark Warburton and current British Virgin Islands manager Chris Kiwomya.

The event was also supported by the League Managers Association (LMA), which provided backing for Team Special Olympics GB's Unified Football team at Berlin 2023. (Photo: Fuller's)

Colin Dyer, CEO of Special Olympics GB, said: "Despite being in its fourth year, Fuller's unified football tournament is one of the only events of its kind in the country, which brings together people with and without intellectual disabilities to play on the same teams.

"It's been fantastic to see the friendships formed between athletes and Fuller's staff and suppliers, and we're thrilled to see the event continue to expand year-on-year.

"Fuller's have been a key partner of Special Olympics GB for several years and we're incredibly grateful for the ways in which they provide support and opportunities for our athletes."

Fuller's football tournament brings together people with and without intellectual disibilities. (Photo: Fuller's)

Across England, Scotland and Wales, Special Olympics GB currently provides sporting opportunities for more than 6,500 athletes at its 95 accredited clubs, which are managed and supported by a team of 3,800 dedicated volunteers.