Building on a successful three-year partnership, Toyota Motor Europe (TME) and Special Olympics Europe Eurasia (SOEE) have agreed to extend their collaboration for another two years at a signing ceremony held in Brussels, Belgium, on 15 April.
Toyota first became a global partner in 2018 and further solidified its support for inclusivity through sport and mobility through an expanded regional partnership between TME and SOEE in 2020.
"We are thrilled to announce the renewal of our partnership with Toyota Motor Europe, making social inclusion a reality throughout Europe Eurasia. This collaboration has been instrumental in driving our shared vision forward, creating inclusive communities where every individual, regardless of ability, can thrive. We thank TME for their continued commitment to our movement, our athletes, and their message of unity and solidarity.”
Pushing boundaries to drive positive change in society is at the heart of Toyota’s ‘Lets Go Beyond’ philosophy. This involves taking small steps that add up to big leaps beyond the expected. The Special Olympics spirit of unleashing athletes’ potential and overcoming challenges strongly resonates with this philosophy, and through their common values, the partnership is an opportunity to team up to ensure mobility for all, with no one left behind.
Tom Fux, TME Vice-President, Sales and Value Chain, added: “As a passionate advocate for inclusivity and the power of sports, our continued partnership with Special Olympics is not just a business endeavour—it's a matter of heart. Having personally experienced the profound impact of the Special Olympics movement at the last World Games in Berlin, I am committed to extending our engagement to foster lasting positive change and celebrate the abilities of every individual.”
Over the last three years, going beyond the framework of the collaboration, TME employees and Special Olympics athletes have enjoyed a number of moments together. They became teammates for a day of training prior to the World Games in Berlin and at the Giro d’Italia last year. Additionally, Toyota employees have volunteered at various Special Olympics National Games to support the athletes.
Micheleine Van Hees, Special Olympics Belgium bocce World Games medallist, said: “With the support of partners like Toyota, Special Olympics programs can further develop their activities. This includes helping raise awareness about the challenges faced by people with intellectual disabilities and advocate for their inclusion in all aspects of daily life. Toyota stands out as an exemplary partner, providing both financial and logistical support to Special Olympics. Moreover, Toyota actively promotes inclusion within its own company and beyond."
The extended partnership will create new opportunities for TME employees and other Toyota entities across Europe to support Special Olympics athletes as they break barriers through sports.
