Toyota Motor Europe and Special Olympics Europe Eurasia extend partnership in support of inclusive communities 

• Toyota Motor Europe and Special Olympics Europe Eurasia extend partnership until 2025, having worked together for a more inclusive society during the past three years   
• Rooted in Toyota’s Lets Go Beyond philosophy, the partnership exemplifies how challenges can be overcome through small steps that contribute to big accomplishments     

Toyota Motor Europe (TME) and Special Olympics Europe Eurasia have agreed to extend their collaboration for a further two years and continue working together to foster inclusive societies and mobility for all, building on a successful three-year partnership. 

Special Olympics (SO) is a world-wide movement for the inclusion of children and adult athletes with intellectual disabilities. It works to provide athletes with opportunities for year-round sports training and athletic competitions in a variety of Olympic-type sports. Toyota first became a global partner in 2018 and further solidified its support for inclusivity through sport and mobility with an expanded regional partnership between TME and Special Olympics Europe Eurasia in 2020.   

Tom Fux, TME Vice President, Sales and Value Chain, said: “TME is a passionate advocate for inclusivity and the power of sports. Our continued partnership with the Special Olympics Committee 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.” 

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 resonates strongly with this philosophy, and through common values, the partnership is an opportunity to team up to ensure mobility for all, with no one left behind.   

David Evangelista, Special Olympics Europe Eurasia President and Managing Director, commented: “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 its continued commitment to our movement, our athletes, and their message of unity and solidarity.” 

During the past three years, going beyond the framework of the collaboration, TME employees and SO athletes have enjoyed a number of shared moments. They became teammates for a day of training prior to the 2023 SO World Games and in the Giro d’Italia competition last year, in addition to Toyota employees volunteering at national SO games to support and be present alongside the athletes. 

Micheleine Van Hees, Special Olympics Belgium bocce athlete, a winner of silver and bronze medals at the Special Olympics World Games Berlin 2023, said: “With the support of partners like Toyota, Special Olympics programmes 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 employees of TME and other Toyota entities across Europe to support SO athletes as they break barriers and exceed limits through sports. 

ENDS  

Note to editors 

Examples of Toyota employees’ engagement with Special Olympics athletes in 2023 

Toyota employees volunteer during the Special Olympics World Games in Berlin 

TME employees joined SO athletes’ training at its work premises 

Toyota Italy supports Special Olympics National Winter Games