PADUA—Safilo Group and Special Olympics have renewed their partnership until 2024. Safilo and Special Olympics’ relationship began in 2003, and over the past 18 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 program. This 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 eyecare community.

In addition to these donations, Safilo Group employees participate as volunteers in initiatives involved in organizing Opening Eyes events.  
 
Angelo Trocchia, CEO of Safilo Group, said, “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. Our goal from the very first day has been to create a lasting relationship and commit ourselves daily to supporting specific programs 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.”
 
David Evangelista, president and managing director, Special Olympics Europe Eurasia, said, “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.”