Safilo Group, a worldwide leader in the design, manufacturing, and  distribution of optical frames and sunglasses, sports eyewear, goggles and helmets, and Special Olympics,  the international non-profit organisation dedicated to transforming the lives of people with intellectual  disabilities, renew their partnership, which will see them united again for the next three years. 

Thanks to this renewal Safilo and Special Olympics have further strengthened their relationship, which  began in 2003 and is now celebrating its 18th anniversary. It is an important milestone especially  considering that over the years more than 1.3 million frames and sunglasses have been donated to Special  Olympics athletes all over the world, as part of the Special Olympics Lions Clubs International Foundation  Opening Eyes® programme. 

Safilo’s commitment, however, is not only represented by the donation of optical frames, but also by the  personal involvement of the Group’s employees who, in recent years, have participated, as volunteers, in  concrete initiatives linked to the organisation of Opening Eyes events for the benefit of athletes with  intellectual disabilities. 

“We are very proud to announce the renewal for the next three years of our partnership with Special  Olympics, as we are continuing to strengthen the journey we began 18 years ago,” said Angelo Trocchia,  CEO of Safilo Group. “Our goal from the very first day has been to create a lasting relationship and  commit ourselves daily to supporting specific programmes aimed at correcting sight defects with the  awareness of having a decisive and positive impact on the lives of millions of people around the world  through the donation of our frames and sunglasses. This commitment is also part of our sustainability  strategies, an ongoing engagement based on three main pillars: people, products and planet.” 

“Special Olympics is honored to gain the continued support of Safilo Group as part of a shared commitment  to providing inclusive health for individuals with intellectual disabilities. Together with the eye health,  vision care and global health community, Special Olympics is excited to enter into this renewed partnership  with Safilo to drive needed support to Special Olympics athletes around the world,” according to David  Evangelista, President and Managing Director, Special Olympics Europe Eurasia  

In addition to donations of frames and sunglasses, the partnership also provides Special Olympics athletes  with the opportunity to benefit from eye examinations and referrals for follow-up checks through Opening  Eyes services supported by Safilo and other cooperate sponsors in the eye care community.