Sponsors Honored at USA National Games Healthy Athletes was honored at the Special Olympics USA National Games at a reception following the research symposium. During the reception, Special Olympics President and CEO Bruce Pasternack presented Essilor representatives Claude Darnault and Audrey Reed with a plaque recognizing Essilor's contribution to Special Olympics. Pasternack cited Essilor's commitment to providing lenses for the Special Olympics-Lions Clubs International Opening Eyes® Program. “I'm truly humbled by all of you and your efforts,” said Reed. “To work for a company that is so passionate about eye care and the health of these athletes makes me so proud.” Healthy Athletes Update National Games Symposium U.S. Senate Subcommittee Field Hearing Health Care Students at the Games Shanghai Invitational Games In the Spotlight Essilor has provided polycarbonate lenses for Opening Eyes since 2003. With the help of concerned corporate sponsors such as Essilor, Opening Eyes is able to provide prescription eyewear to Special Olympics athletes free of charge and with the highest level of quality in the optic market. Essilor has renewed its agreement with Special Olympics for another three years, ensuring that all Opening Eyes screenings worldwide will benefit from this global sponsorship. Additionally, Essilor has shown a great deal of innovation in integrating the Special Olympics sponsorship into its business operations. Last July, during Essilor USA's national sales meeting, Essilor invited Special Olympics Washington (USA) athlete Stacey Johnston, who is a member of the Special Olympics International Board of Directors, to speak at the sales meeting and present what impact Essilor has had on the lives of Special Olympics athletes. In the words of a high-ranking Essilor official, “Stacey really touched so many people and the e-mails have not stopped since the meeting. Many delegates told me that Stacey's 30 minutes were the highlight of the week.” Return to Healthy Athletes Update, Winter 2006/2007