[Padua / Washington, D.C. - March 10, 2025] For over two decades, Safilo Group—one of the eyewear industry’s key players in the design, manufacturing and distribution of prescription frames, sunglasses, outdoor eyewear, goggles, and helmets—and Special Olympics have been changing lives, one pair of glasses at a time. Now, that mission continues.
The two organizations celebrated the renewal of their long-standing partnership through to 2027 at the Opening Ceremony of the Special Olympics World Winter Games in Turin, Italy, on 8th March 2025. This commitment 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. Safilo employees have also been volunteers 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”.
"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."
Clinical Director from Special Olympics Italy, David Evangelista, President and Managing Director, SOEE, Alessandra Palazzotti, National Director, Special Olympics Italy, Special Olympics Italy, and Bjoern Koehler, Director, Special Olympics Health SOEE during a Celebration of the Special Olympics-Safilo Group Partnership Renewal at Inalpi Arena on 8 March 2025 in Turin, Italy. Photo by Inaki Esnaola for Special Olympics Europe Eurasia.
