Cornhole, Connection, and a Partnership That Lasts

Athletes and Coca-Cola Beverages Northeast employees came together for a day of friendly competition, teamwork, and inclusion, highlighting a partnership that continues to make an impact year-round.

September 16, 2026

Last Friday, Special Olympics New Hampshire athletes and Unified partners teamed up with employees from Coca-Cola Beverages Northeast for an afternoon of cornhole, camaraderie, and fun.

From the moment participants arrived, the focus wasn’t just on competition. Athletes, Coca-Cola employees, volunteers, and staff worked side-by-side, helping with check-in, forming teams, and getting ready for a day of play. Once the bags started flying, the courts were filled with encouragement, laughter, and plenty of friendly competition as teammates cheered one another on through round robin play and a championship medal round.

While champions were crowned at the end of the day, the real highlight was the opportunity to connect. New friendships were formed, teammates celebrated great throws, and everyone shared in the spirit of inclusion that defines Special Olympics.

The cornhole tournament is just one example of the longstanding relationship between Special Olympics New Hampshire and Coca-Cola Beverages Northeast. Throughout the year, Coca-Cola supports our athletes and mission through sponsorships, in-kind donations, volunteerism, and employee engagement opportunities.

Many Coca-Cola employees can be found volunteering at State Summer Games each year, where they help run field events and create memorable experiences for athletes. The company also fields a strong team annually for the Penguin Plunge, helping raise critical funds to support programs across the state.

Earlier this year, Coca-Cola helped create another unforgettable experience for Special Olympics athletes and Unified partners from across New England. A select group had the opportunity to serve as flag bearers in Boston as part of the FIFA World Cup festivities, representing inclusion on a global stage and showcasing the power of sport to bring people together.

Their support reflects a partnership that extends far beyond a single event. For more than five decades, The Coca-Cola Company and Special Olympics have shared a commitment to inclusion, acceptance, and opportunity, helping people with intellectual disabilities experience the transformative power of sport.

For Special Olympics New Hampshire athletes, that commitment is felt right here at home through volunteer hours, community engagement, fundraising support, and meaningful experiences like last week’s tournament.

Thank you to everyone from Coca-Cola Beverages Northeast who joined us on the courts and continues to champion inclusion throughout the year. We are grateful for your partnership and for the many ways you help create a more inclusive world for our athletes.