Provender

Provender owners Philip and Stephanie Horrocks became involved with Special Olympics in 1999 as sponsors and have been tireless supporters ever since. Through their own franchise network Provender franchisees have connected with corporates, businesses and communities across New Zealand to generate funding for the growth and development of Special Olympics New Zealand’s sports programmes. 

Until 2011 the company operated trans Tasman and supported Special Olympics Australia in the same manner as Special Olympics New Zealand.

To date, Provender has provided more than $400,000 to help Special Olympics New Zealand’s athletes achieve sporting and personal goals. Provender’s nationwide sponsorship has also helped to increase Special Olympics New Zealand’s profile in the wider community by encouraging more people to get involved and support the organisation.

In 2011 Provender initiated a promotion to generate awareness about and fundraise for the Special Olympics New Zealand team heading to the Special Olympics World Summer Games in Athens, Greece. Provender ran a competition in all its 10,000 locations across New Zealand offering a trip for two to Greece for eight days, spending money, and tickets to the Opening Ceremony of the World Summer Games. The co-branded promotion put Special Olympics New Zealand in front of more than 300,000 people and generated considerable goodwill in the community.

Through Provender franchisees and Provender management, Special Olympics New Zealand has been able to open new doors around New Zealand where there has been new demand for our sports services.

Philip and Stephanie “walk the talk” in their enthusiasm and the pride they show in supporting our athletes. Philip is an inspirational leader and genuinely gets pleasure through seeing others achieve their full potential.

They are well deserving of the Special Olympics Distinguished Service Award.