Toyota (GB) helps Special Olympics GB deliver the first National Summer Games in nine years
This summer, Toyota (GB) helped Special Olympics Great Britain stage its first National Summer Games in nine years, giving more than 1,200 children and adults with an intellectual disability the chance to compete in 15 sports on the national stage.
Toyota has been the Official Mobility Partner of Special Olympics GB since 2023 and was the Official Sponsor of the summer games, which took place over 21 days, culminating in a four-day multi-sport event in Birmingham in August.
It provided vehicles to support event logistics at Birmingham’s Alexander Stadium and Wyndley Leisure Centre and funded equipment for sensory recovery rooms, which athletes used to take time away from the competition environment.
Fifteen Toyota (GB) staff volunteered to support even operations in a variety of roles at both venues, including registration medal presentations and timing.
Laura Baxter MBE, Chief Executive of Special Olympics GB, said: “From the individual moments of triumph to the incredible atmosphere in Birmingham, it was wonderful to bring the Special Olympics GB movement together for our first National Summer Games in nine years.
“Competing on a national stage gave our athletes the opportunity to really showcase their skill, determination and joy in sport to audiences across Great Britain. The success of our wider 21-day Games programme is testament to the commitment of our athletes, families, coaches, volunteers and partners.
“We are hugely grateful to Toyota (GB) for its support as an Official National Summer Games Sponsor. We hope the impact of these Games will continue long after the final competition, inspiring more people with intellectual disabilities to get involved in sport and helping to build a society in which they are seen, valued and taken seriously.”
Away from the National Summer Games, Toyota continues to provide funding to help upskill and develop coaches within the Special Olympics GB movement. The Toyota Coaching Fund programme has enabled more than 160 members of the Special Olympics GB family to gain coaching qualifications recognised by National Governing Bodies.
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About Special Olympics GB
Special Olympics Great Britain (GB), set up in 1978, is a non-profit charity which provides year-round sports coaching and athletic competition in summer and winter sports for more than 12,000 children and adults with an intellectual disability.
It currently has more than 100 accredited programmes in England, Scotland and Wales and provides coaching and competition opportunities in 27 sports. These programmes are run by nearly dedicated 6,000 volunteers.
Special Olympics GB is more than just an opportunity to take part in sport – it transforms lives. It provides opportunities to increase confidence, realise potential, develop physical fitness and mental well-being, demonstrate courage and experience new friendships. The work of Special Olympics GB is currently funded by individuals, trust and corporate donations and financial support is crucial to enable us to continue our work. Learn more at www.specialolympicsgb.org.uk and engage with us on social media via Facebook, Instagram, Twitter, TikTok and LinkedIn.
About Special Olympics
Founded in 1968, Special Olympics is a global movement to end discrimination against people with intellectual disabilities. We foster acceptance of all people through the power of sport and programming in education, health and leadership. With more than six million athletes and Special Olympics Unified Sports® partners and one million coaches and volunteers in over 200 accredited Programs, Special Olympics delivers more than 30 Olympic-type sports and over 100,000 Games and competitions every year. Learn more at www.SpecialOlympics.org.
