Safilo Group and Special Olympics celebrated the renewal of their long-standing partnership at the Opening Ceremony of the Special Olympics World Winter Games Turin 2025 on 8 March. Photo credit: Iñaki Esnaola/Special Olympics Europe Eurasia
Global eyewear giant Safilo Group and the Special Olympics have renewed their long-standing partnership through to 2027.
The announcement was made at the Opening Ceremony of the Special Olympics World Winter Games in Turin, Italy, on 8 March 2025.
Vision care is often an overlooked… Safilo’s contribution has transformed lives by providing access to screenings, prescription frames, and expert care
Special Olympics is a global sports movement that aims to end discrimination against people with intellectual disabilities. With over four million athletes and Unified Sports partners, and one million coaches and volunteers in 200 countries, Special Olympics delivers more than 30 Olympic-type sports and nearly 50,000 games and competitions every year. Visit: www.specialolympics.org.
In a statement Safilo said the renewal underscores a shared dedication to inclusive health and vision care for athletes with intellectual disabilities worldwide that has stood strong for more than 22 years – and counting.
During this period Special Olympics athletes from over the world have received prescription frames and sunglasses provided by Safilo through the Special Olympics Lions Clubs International Foundation Opening Eyes program.
Additionally, Safilo employees have volunteered at Opening Eyes events, where athletes receive essential eye examinations, prescription eyewear, and referrals for follow-up care.
“At Safilo, we believe that clear vision is a fundamental right, not a privilege. For over 20 years, our partnership with Special Olympics has allowed us to bring not just eyewear, but dignity, confidence, and opportunity to thousands of athletes worldwide” said Angelo Trocchia, CEO of Safilo Group. “This renewed commitment reaffirms our dedication to inclusion, accessibility, and eye health—ensuring that every athlete has the vision care they need to excel, both in competitions and in daily life. We are proud to continue this journey and to stand alongside Special Olympics in their mission of empowerment. This commitment is part of Safilo’s purpose-led strategy based on three sustainability pillars: planet, product, and people”.
Special Olympics CEO Mary Davis added: “The renewal of our partnership with Safilo is more than just an extension of a collaboration, it is a testament to a shared commitment to health equity for people with intellectual disabilities. Vision care is often an overlooked but essential part of an athlete’s success, and Safilo’s contribution has transformed lives by providing access to screenings, prescription frames, and expert care.
“As we celebrate this milestone at the Special Olympics World Winter Games Turin 2025, we look forward to expanding our impact and ensuring that every athlete sees a clearer, brighter future ahead.”
