Latest news with #SpecialOlympicsUSAGames
Yahoo
26-05-2025
- Business
- Yahoo
Coca-Cola Machines Now Pay You for Empty Bottles
Imagine getting rewarded just for doing the right thing — that's what Coca-Cola is doing to fight plastic pollution and promote sustainable habits. The beverage giant is rolling out Reverse Vending Machines (RVMs) that pay you back in points for every empty bottle you return. Coca-Cola's Reverse Vending Machines (RVMs) are innovative recycling kiosks designed to encourage sustainable behavior by rewarding users for recycling empty beverage containers. Depending on the model, these machines accept plastic bottles and aluminum cans, scanning each item to verify its recyclability. Once accepted, the containers are compacted and stored for collection. Users earn reward points through a connected mobile app, which can be redeemed for discounts on Coca-Cola products or other incentives. This initiative promotes recycling and supports Coca-Cola's broader sustainability goals by integrating recycled materials back into the production cycle. It's a much-needed positive step for Coca-Cola, one of the world's largest plastic polluters. While RVMs themselves have a longer history (the first prototype by TOMRA was established in 1972), Coca-Cola'' specific initiative to incorporate them into their recycling and reward programs appears to have started in July 2018 during the Special Olympics USA Games in Seattle. These pilot machines were part of the company's 'World Without Waste' initiative, aiming to collect and recycle the equivalent of every bottle or can it sells globally by 2030. The RVMs allowed visitors to deposit PET bottles or aluminum cans, with each item triggering a five-cent donation to Special Olympics Washington and providing participants with additional resources via text message. Shortly after, in the same month, Coca-Cola Great Britain partnered with Merlin Entertainments to launch a summer trial of RVMs at several UK theme parks, including Alton Towers Resort and LEGOLAND Windsor. These early implementations marked Coca-Cola's initial steps in integrating RVMs into public spaces, which have since expanded to various regions, including India. In India, the first RVM was installed in 2016. At that time, the benefits of using RVMs were mostly framed as societal contributions through charity and donations, rather than personal rewards. Several years later, RVMs can now be found across various regions in the country, and as of this writing, these machines personally reward recyclers with points that can be redeemed for perks. The most recent installations of RVMs in India were in Puri, Odisha. Installed by Biocrux India Pvt. Ltd., these machines are capable of compacting plastic bottles by up to 70%, storing as many as 800 bottles before collection. Users are rewarded with points for every bottle deposited through the Biocrux mobile app, which can be redeemed for discounts on Coca-Cola products. The collected plastic is responsibly recycled into new materials such as clothing, bags, and secondary packaging. Equipped with digital display screens, the machines also serve as platforms for environmental education and foster community involvement. A centralized dashboard enables remote monitoring of machine performance to ensure operational efficiency. During the project inauguration, Abhimanyu Behera, Executive Officer of Puri Municipality, emphasized the importance of collaboration: 'Maintaining cleanliness in Puri is a shared responsibility that requires strong collaboration between public and private stakeholders. We appreciate the efforts of Coca-Cola India and its partners in supporting waste management and recycling through technology and public participation. Initiatives like this not only enhance civic engagement but also set a precedent for other cities to follow.' Rajesh Ayapilla, Senior Director of Sustainability and CSR at Coca-Cola India and South West Asia, highlighted the collective nature of waste management: 'Waste management requires long-term collaboration between industry, citizens, and government. By introducing reverse vending machines in Puri, we're enabling people to take simple yet meaningful steps to make recycling part of everyday behaviour. This effort complements our ongoing public awareness campaign, Maidaan Saaf, which encourages collective responsibility and action around recycling and waste management.' These efforts align with Coca-Cola's global Partner to Collect ambition, which is a key element of its broader sustainability goals. The commitment focuses on strengthening packaging recovery by investing in effective collection systems and increasing the use of recycled materials in primary packaging. Sources: The Cool Down, Media Brief Read the original article on GEEKSPIN. Affiliate links on GEEKSPIN may earn us and our partners a commission.
CBS News
13-05-2025
- Sport
- CBS News
Special Olympics Pennsylvania's torch run returns for 14th year
A long-running tradition returned to Pittsburgh on Tuesday. This is the 14th year for Special Olympics Pennsylvania's "Be A Fan" torch run. Now, the Special Olympics Pennsylvania torch is on its journey away from PNC Park through its three-day, 150-mile trip to Penn State University. Over 350 runners representing nearly 40 law enforcement agencies are Guardians of the Flame on the torch as it's passed off every two and a half to four miles until it reaches State College for the 2025 Pennsylvania Special Olympics Summer Games. The competition officially starts on June 5, but on Tuesday, runners like Pennsylvania State Police's Tabitha Jacoby are accompanied by local Special Olympics program athletes. "They'll say, time and time again, 'We love you guys, you're our heroes,' when really, they're our heroes," said Jacoby. Organizers said this torch run brings the community together like no other event. "If you have a chance to meet one of the athletes, they're always smiling, they're always happy to see you. And the general public can learn a lot from these athletes," said State Law Enforcement Torch Run Director Matt Porter. "We have law enforcement; we have people out on the streets supporting our law enforcement. We have athletes running alongside," said Special Olympics Pennsylvania Vice President of Strategic Partnerships Andrew Fee. Fee added that the games are "highly competitive, good sportsmanship, a lot of fun when you're not on the field." These athletes compete to represent Pennsylvania in the Special Olympics USA Games. Athletes like swimmer Gianfranco Schiaretta said he's ready for this statewide competition, "feeling confident, feeling strong." He said it takes a lot of hard work, and to him, this torch, with the Flame of Hope, represents so much. "Desire, devotion, and discipline is the biggest thing," said Schiaretta. It's a symbol of what our athletes with special abilities accomplish every day.
National Post
01-05-2025
- Business
- National Post
Textron Aviation Calls on Cessna, Beechcraft and Hawker Owners to Transport Athletes to the 2026 Special Olympics USA Games
Article content WICHITA, Kan. — Textron Aviation Inc., a Textron Inc. (NYSE:TXT) company, today announced the coordination of the ninth Special Olympics Airlift, a monumental event aimed at transporting hundreds of athletes and coaches across country to the 2026 Special Olympics USA Games in Minnesota's Twin Cities. The company is calling on Cessna, Beechcraft and Hawker aircraft owners and operators to come together on Friday, June 19, 2026, and Saturday, June 27, 2026, to enable champions from all corners of the nation to travel to and from the host city, regardless of financial or logistical challenges. Article content Article content The Special Olympics Airlift, organized by Textron Aviation, mobilizes hundreds of volunteer Cessna, Beechcraft and Hawker pilots and aircraft from across the country to create the world's largest peacetime airlift and provide a once-in-a-lifetime experience for Special Olympics athletes. Article content 'The Airlift is more than just a flight; it's about giving these champions the chance to shine and achieve their dreams on a national stage,' said Ron Draper, president & CEO, Textron Aviation. 'Seeing the excitement and anticipation on the athletes' faces as they embark on their journey to and from the Games is incredibly moving. We need Cessna, Beechcraft and Hawker customers to join us in this heartfelt mission, volunteering their aircraft and time to make a profound and lasting impact on the lives of these athletes and their families.' Article content Since the inception of the Special Olympics Airlift in 1987, Cessna, Beechcraft and Hawker owners have transported more than 10,000 athletes and coaches to various Special Olympics World and USA Games. Owners and operators in every state are needed to donate the use of the following aircraft: Article content Each Airlift event builds on the success of previous years, continually growing in scale and impact. During the 2026 event, participating aircraft known as 'Doves' are expected to touch down or takeoff from St. Paul Downtown Airport Holman Field (KSTP) every three minutes throughout a 10-hour period. Article content The Special Olympics Airlift is made possible by collaboration from influential industry groups such as the Federal Aviation Administration, Minneapolis Saint Paul Metropolitan Airports Commission/KSTP, Signature Aviation, Special Olympics USA Games Local Organizing Committee and Special Olympics North America. Article content Become a Dove for this monumental nationwide aviation event by visiting Article content About Textron Aviation We inspire the journey of flight. For more than 95 years, Textron Aviation Inc., a Textron Inc. company, has empowered our collective talent across the Beechcraft, Cessna and Hawker brands to design and deliver the best aviation experience for our customers. With a range that includes everything from business jets, turboprops, and high-performance pistons, to special mission, military trainer and defense products, Textron Aviation has the most versatile and comprehensive aviation product portfolio in the world and a workforce that has produced more than half of all general aviation aircraft worldwide. Customers in more than 170 countries rely on our legendary performance, reliability and versatility, along with our trusted global customer service network, for affordable and flexible flight. For more information, visit | | Article content About Textron Inc. Textron Inc. is a multi-industry company that leverages its global network of aircraft, defense, industrial and finance businesses to provide customers with innovative solutions and services. Textron is known around the world for its powerful brands such as Bell, Cessna, Beechcraft, Pipistrel, Jacobsen, Kautex, Lycoming, E-Z-GO, and Textron Systems. For more information, visit: Article content About Special Olympics USA Games The 2026 Special Olympics USA Games—scheduled for June 20-26, 2026, across Minnesota's Twin Cities with sports competitions at the University of Minnesota and the National Sports Center in Blaine—is a national celebration of inclusivity, changing perceptions and the ability of the human spirit rising above limitations. The USA Games, with co-presenting partners Jersey Mike's Subs and United Healthcare, will be one of the biggest U.S. sporting events of the year, drawing tens of thousands of fans to celebrate the ability of over 3,000 incredible athletes from all 50 states as they compete in 16 Olympic-type team and individual sports. As a state with a long history of championing diversity, equity and inclusion, the USA Games now bring an unrivaled opportunity to spark new energy around the Special Olympics movement and create a lasting legacy of positive change. Article content Article content Article content Article content Contacts Article content Article content
Yahoo
01-05-2025
- Business
- Yahoo
Textron Aviation Calls on Cessna, Beechcraft and Hawker Owners to Transport Athletes to the 2026 Special Olympics USA Games
WICHITA, Kan., May 01, 2025--(BUSINESS WIRE)--Textron Aviation Inc., a Textron Inc. (NYSE:TXT) company, today announced the coordination of the ninth Special Olympics Airlift, a monumental event aimed at transporting hundreds of athletes and coaches across country to the 2026 Special Olympics USA Games in Minnesota's Twin Cities. The company is calling on Cessna, Beechcraft and Hawker aircraft owners and operators to come together on Friday, June 19, 2026, and Saturday, June 27, 2026, to enable champions from all corners of the nation to travel to and from the host city, regardless of financial or logistical challenges. The Special Olympics Airlift, organized by Textron Aviation, mobilizes hundreds of volunteer Cessna, Beechcraft and Hawker pilots and aircraft from across the country to create the world's largest peacetime airlift and provide a once-in-a-lifetime experience for Special Olympics athletes. "The Airlift is more than just a flight; it's about giving these champions the chance to shine and achieve their dreams on a national stage," said Ron Draper, president & CEO, Textron Aviation. "Seeing the excitement and anticipation on the athletes' faces as they embark on their journey to and from the Games is incredibly moving. We need Cessna, Beechcraft and Hawker customers to join us in this heartfelt mission, volunteering their aircraft and time to make a profound and lasting impact on the lives of these athletes and their families." Since the inception of the Special Olympics Airlift in 1987, Cessna, Beechcraft and Hawker owners have transported more than 10,000 athletes and coaches to various Special Olympics World and USA Games. Owners and operators in every state are needed to donate the use of the following aircraft: Cessna Citation jets Beechcraft King Air turboprops Beechcraft Beechjet and Premier jets Hawker jets Each Airlift event builds on the success of previous years, continually growing in scale and impact. During the 2026 event, participating aircraft known as "Doves" are expected to touch down or takeoff from St. Paul Downtown Airport Holman Field (KSTP) every three minutes throughout a 10-hour period. The Special Olympics Airlift is made possible by collaboration from influential industry groups such as the Federal Aviation Administration, Minneapolis Saint Paul Metropolitan Airports Commission/KSTP, Signature Aviation, Special Olympics USA Games Local Organizing Committee and Special Olympics North America. Become a Dove for this monumental nationwide aviation event by visiting About Textron AviationWe inspire the journey of flight. For more than 95 years, Textron Aviation Inc., a Textron Inc. company, has empowered our collective talent across the Beechcraft, Cessna and Hawker brands to design and deliver the best aviation experience for our customers. With a range that includes everything from business jets, turboprops, and high-performance pistons, to special mission, military trainer and defense products, Textron Aviation has the most versatile and comprehensive aviation product portfolio in the world and a workforce that has produced more than half of all general aviation aircraft worldwide. Customers in more than 170 countries rely on our legendary performance, reliability and versatility, along with our trusted global customer service network, for affordable and flexible flight. For more information, visit About Textron Inc. is a multi-industry company that leverages its global network of aircraft, defense, industrial and finance businesses to provide customers with innovative solutions and services. Textron is known around the world for its powerful brands such as Bell, Cessna, Beechcraft, Pipistrel, Jacobsen, Kautex, Lycoming, E-Z-GO, and Textron Systems. For more information, visit: About Special Olympics USA GamesThe 2026 Special Olympics USA Games—scheduled for June 20-26, 2026, across Minnesota's Twin Cities with sports competitions at the University of Minnesota and the National Sports Center in Blaine—is a national celebration of inclusivity, changing perceptions and the ability of the human spirit rising above limitations. The USA Games, with co-presenting partners Jersey Mike's Subs and United Healthcare, will be one of the biggest U.S. sporting events of the year, drawing tens of thousands of fans to celebrate the ability of over 3,000 incredible athletes from all 50 states as they compete in 16 Olympic-type team and individual sports. As a state with a long history of championing diversity, equity and inclusion, the USA Games now bring an unrivaled opportunity to spark new energy around the Special Olympics movement and create a lasting legacy of positive change. View source version on Contacts Media Contact: Rachel WilliamsRawilliams@
Business Wire
01-05-2025
- Business
- Business Wire
Textron Aviation Calls on Cessna, Beechcraft and Hawker Owners to Transport Athletes to the 2026 Special Olympics USA Games
WICHITA, Kan.--(BUSINESS WIRE)-- Textron Aviation Inc., a Textron Inc. (NYSE:TXT) company, today announced the coordination of the ninth Special Olympics Airlift, a monumental event aimed at transporting hundreds of athletes and coaches across country to the 2026 Special Olympics USA Games in Minnesota's Twin Cities. The company is calling on Cessna, Beechcraft and Hawker aircraft owners and operators to come together on Friday, June 19, 2026, and Saturday, June 27, 2026, to enable champions from all corners of the nation to travel to and from the host city, regardless of financial or logistical challenges. The Special Olympics Airlift, organized by Textron Aviation, mobilizes hundreds of volunteer Cessna, Beechcraft and Hawker pilots and aircraft from across the country to create the world's largest peacetime airlift and provide a once-in-a-lifetime experience for Special Olympics athletes. 'The Airlift is more than just a flight; it's about giving these champions the chance to shine and achieve their dreams on a national stage,' said Ron Draper, president & CEO, Textron Aviation. 'Seeing the excitement and anticipation on the athletes' faces as they embark on their journey to and from the Games is incredibly moving. We need Cessna, Beechcraft and Hawker customers to join us in this heartfelt mission, volunteering their aircraft and time to make a profound and lasting impact on the lives of these athletes and their families.' Since the inception of the Special Olympics Airlift in 1987, Cessna, Beechcraft and Hawker owners have transported more than 10,000 athletes and coaches to various Special Olympics World and USA Games. Owners and operators in every state are needed to donate the use of the following aircraft: Cessna Citation jets Beechcraft King Air turboprops Beechcraft Beechjet and Premier jets Hawker jets Each Airlift event builds on the success of previous years, continually growing in scale and impact. During the 2026 event, participating aircraft known as 'Doves' are expected to touch down or takeoff from St. Paul Downtown Airport Holman Field (KSTP) every three minutes throughout a 10-hour period. The Special Olympics Airlift is made possible by collaboration from influential industry groups such as the Federal Aviation Administration, Minneapolis Saint Paul Metropolitan Airports Commission/KSTP, Signature Aviation, Special Olympics USA Games Local Organizing Committee and Special Olympics North America. Become a Dove for this monumental nationwide aviation event by visiting About Textron Aviation We inspire the journey of flight. For more than 95 years, Textron Aviation Inc., a Textron Inc. company, has empowered our collective talent across the Beechcraft, Cessna and Hawker brands to design and deliver the best aviation experience for our customers. With a range that includes everything from business jets, turboprops, and high-performance pistons, to special mission, military trainer and defense products, Textron Aviation has the most versatile and comprehensive aviation product portfolio in the world and a workforce that has produced more than half of all general aviation aircraft worldwide. Customers in more than 170 countries rely on our legendary performance, reliability and versatility, along with our trusted global customer service network, for affordable and flexible flight. For more information, visit | | About Textron Inc. Textron Inc. is a multi-industry company that leverages its global network of aircraft, defense, industrial and finance businesses to provide customers with innovative solutions and services. Textron is known around the world for its powerful brands such as Bell, Cessna, Beechcraft, Pipistrel, Jacobsen, Kautex, Lycoming, E-Z-GO, and Textron Systems. For more information, visit: About Special Olympics USA Games The 2026 Special Olympics USA Games—scheduled for June 20-26, 2026, across Minnesota's Twin Cities with sports competitions at the University of Minnesota and the National Sports Center in Blaine—is a national celebration of inclusivity, changing perceptions and the ability of the human spirit rising above limitations. The USA Games, with co-presenting partners Jersey Mike's Subs and United Healthcare, will be one of the biggest U.S. sporting events of the year, drawing tens of thousands of fans to celebrate the ability of over 3,000 incredible athletes from all 50 states as they compete in 16 Olympic-type team and individual sports. As a state with a long history of championing diversity, equity and inclusion, the USA Games now bring an unrivaled opportunity to spark new energy around the Special Olympics movement and create a lasting legacy of positive change.
