Signs of the collaboration between Toyota and Special Olympics were abundantly evident on many levels at the Games, which welcomed more than 2,000 athletes from 26 countries to the city of Malmö from 4 to 6 September. TME volunteers offered dedicated support to visiting delegations throughout the event. Transportation between sports venues was supported by a fleet of cars provided by the local Toyota Retailer. The Athlete Recovery Lounge by Toyota offered all athletes the opportunity to relax, recuperate, receive advice and use massage tools at an elite-level post competition space.
Andre Schmidt, Head of LEXUS Europe and a longtime supporter of our movement, was also at the Games to lend his support to the athletes. Additionally, he contributed to the tailored Guest Programme which brought together partners, policymakers and experts to learn more about Special Olympics, consider the challenges and opportunities for our movement and the legacy potential of the event.
Reflecting on Toyota’s contribution to the Games, Andre noted, “The most important thing is that we are here for the athletes. We have the Athlete Recovery Lounge where they can relax and feel strong again for the next day. As a society, we all have a responsibility to make a contribution where we can, and Toyota is making a contribution in mobility and athlete support here at the Games”.
Toyota first became a global partner of Special Olympics in 2018 and further solidified its support for inclusivity through sport and mobility with an expanded regional partnership between TME and Special Olympics Europe Eurasia in 2020. Andre reflected on the significance of this multi-level support. He said, “We are committed to the movement of inclusion from the global to the regional to the local level. We have colleagues from Toyota Sweden here today as well as Toyota dealers here who are providing the vehicles. Our commitment goes from the very top to the dealer level. What really makes this collaboration special is that we believe that mobility is for all, leaving nobody behind. When we say mobility, we don’t mean cars, we mean social mobility, the inclusion movement, emotional mobility. Since 2018, we are global partners and we are growing, step by step.”
In conclusion, Andre urged his fellow guests to carry the powerful experience of the Games home with them to their local communities. He noted, “I would like you to remember the smiles and joy. When you talk with the athletes, the emotion comes through directly. This is such a rewarding experience, particularly in these days of division. I feel that these Games have very strong foundations. It is not only a few visionary people but a socially agreed direction that you all want to go in. I want to keep this spirit and bring it out to the local communities. It is all about inclusion and everyone has a part to play.”
