Special Olympics

The Safilo Group and Essilor continue their commitment to the Special Olympics, and to the 'Opening Eyes' project in particular, to give athletes with learning disabilities the chance to improve their sight with a series of free screenings and the donation of glasses and ophthalmic lenses.

During the week of July 2 through 9, Rome will host the 22nd edition of the Special Olympics National Games Italy, a sporting event in which Safilo and Essilor will be taking an active part as official suppliers of sunglasses, prescription frames and ophthalmic lenses under the 'Special Olympics Opening Eyes' program, which the two companies joined in 2003.

The event will involve around 1500 special athletes from all regions of Italy, 1000 volunteers, 3000 relatives and 500 technicians, who will meet in the capital to experience a unique cultural and sporting event aimed at combining passion for sport with personal dignity and abilities.

At the event, the numerous volunteer optometrists will give the athletes free sight screenings: Safilo will donate 295 prescription frames and 75 pairs of sunglasses, and Essilor will provide the required ophthalmic lenses.

The Safilo Group - world leader for the production of prescription frames, sunglasses and sports glasses - has always demonstrated particular sensitivity and continuous commitment to social initiatives and spontaneously contributed to the 'Opening Eyes' project by donating prescription frames and sunglasses.

Essilor International - world leader for the production of ophthalmic lenses - saw it as an opportunity to support the 'Special Olympics Opening Eyes' program and a way of emphasizing its own commitment to improving the intellectual and physical wellbeing of people who need to see better.

Special Olympics is the most widespread sports program for people with learning disabilities from all over the world. Founded by Eunice Kennedy in 1968, today the movement includes over one million athletes in more than 150 countries.