Special Olympics is known around the world for its inclusive athletic programs engaging children and adults with intellectual disabilities. Toyota’s relationship with Special Olympics goes back 40 years, beginning with regional sponsorships and expanding to become a global partner in 2017.
At the heart of this unique partnership are shared values. Special Olympics’ core principles of inclusion, respect and dignity align directly with Toyota’s foundational philosophy of respect for people. And Special Olympics’ commitment to expanding access to sports and movement fits seamlessly with Toyota’s vision of mobility for all.
Since Toyota began partnering with Special Olympics, the organization has seen significant improvements across core program areas of Sports, Major Games, Unified Sports®, Athlete Leadership, and Unified Leadership.
In the U.S., Toyota has sponsored several events such as the Special Olympics World Games Los Angeles 2015, Special Olympics Unified Cup Chicago 2018, Special Olympics Unified Cup Detroit 2022, and the 2022 Special Olympics USA Games in Orlando. Event success is supported through activities such as:
- Use of vehicles allowing athletes and family members to move freely around the games.
- Toyota team members and family members volunteering as “Fans in the Stands” to cheer on athletes.
- Welcome gear and giveaways for fans and athletes.
- Communications and activities to support disability education and advocacy.
“Bringing individuals from different backgrounds together through sport helps build a society where people have respect for each other. Toyota is proud to partner with Special Olympics to pursue this common goal.”
In Texas, Michigan and Kentucky, regional initiatives drive engagement between Toyota and local Special Olympics Programs, sparking human connections and fueling catalytic impact. Many engagements are championed by local chapters of ToyotAbility, Toyota’s disability business partnering group.
Kentucky
- Unified Bowling – Toyota team members are paired with a Special Olympics athlete, they lace up bowling shoes and hit the lanes together.
- Summer Games – Toyota’s support helps bring athletes from all over Kentucky to compete in traditional and Unified Sports® competitions.
Texas
- Unified Sports – Toyota joins Special Olympics athletes for bowling, floorball and bocce ball.
- SONA Move Challenge – Athletes and Team Toyota members inspire each other to meet movement goals and lead healthy and active lifestyles.
Michigan
- Basketball Tournament – Teaming up with Special Olympics to shoot hoops and form new friendships.
- Unified Sports – Bringing athletes and Toyota team members together for kickball, pickleball, soccer, floorball, flag football and volleyball.
My teammate inspired me to find new and creative ways that I could get moving throughout my daily activities. The SONA Move Challenge helped me to connect and hold myself accountable, knowing that I had a team with all the athletes and volunteers all over the world.