Organic juice company Uncle Matt’s Organic has partnered with Chris Nikic and the 1% Better Foundation, a nonprofit Nikic founded dedicated to making active lifestyles accessible and achievable for all people with intellectual and developmental disabilities (IDD).
 
Last fall, Nikic set a new world record by being the first person with Down syndrome to complete a 140.6-mile Ironman Triathlon, and founded his nonprofit organization with the motto to get one percent better every day. Healthy lifestyles are less accessible for many people with intellectual and developmental disabilities, due to barriers to being physically active such as the cost of specialized equipment, a lack of transportation, a shortage of inclusive gyms and adaptive fitness programs, an absence of role models, and expectations for people with IDD.
 
The foundation’s mission is to create standardized practice in society, schools, and health and wellness facilities to foster inclusion and highlight human potential, Uncle Matt’s Organic founder and CEO Matt McLean said.
 
“When I first met Chris at a triathlon, I was moved to do more for his cause. Uncle Matt’s Organic is proud to donate a portion of our organic juice proceeds to Chris Nikic’s 1% Better Foundation,” McLean said. “Chris’s accomplishment of being the first person with Down syndrome to complete the Ironman Triathlon is incredible, and we are awe-inspired and very thankful to be able to partner with him to help people with disabilities.
 
“By including Chris’ picture and foundation information on our orange juice labels, our hope is to generate more exposure for his 1% Better Foundation. In addition, it has inspired our company to use our brand as a platform for other worthy causes. Going forward, each quarter we will choose an outstanding charity to donate to and share the incredible stories on our product packaging. Chris’ inspiration will continue to pay it forward for others in need.”