Mitsubishi Electric has proudly extended its long-term partnership with Special Olympics Great Britain (GB) for a further two years, reinforcing its commitment to the charity’s life-changing work for people with an intellectual (learning) disability.
Special Olympics GB provides regular sports training and competition for people with intellectual disabilities and its partnership with Mitsubishi Electric UK Branch began in 2018.
Throughout the partnership term, in addition to a significant financial commitment that supports the delivery of the charity’s transformational sporting opportunities, Mitsubishi Electric employees have volunteered at competitions and delivered bespoke events for Special Olympics GB athletes.
It has staged a five-a-side football tournament, which was played in Special Olympics ‘unified’ sport rules where people with and without intellectual disabilities play together on the same team. Here multiple Special Olympics GB athletes played in the teams alongside Mitsubishi Electric’s people.
Mitsubishi Electric UK’s headquarters in Hatfield, Hertfordshire, has also hosted Special Olympics GB athletes for ‘Lunch and Learn’ sessions and athletes taught Mitsubishi Electric UK colleagues to play Boccia, a precision ball, sport similar to bowls.
Laura Baxter MBE, Chief Executive of Special Olympics GB, said: “Since 2018, Mitsubishi Electric has been an invaluable partner, actively engaging in our events and supporting our mission to transform the lives of individuals with intellectual disabilities through sport.
“Its commitment to inclusivity and employee engagement has profoundly impacted our athletes and the broader community. We look forward to continuing this journey together, creating more opportunities for our athletes to shine and fostering a more inclusive society.”
Mitsubishi Electric’s two-year extended partnership with Special Olympics GB comes shortly ahead of the Special Olympics World Winter Games in Turin, Italy. Here, 10 athletes with intellectual disabilities will participate in the event’s alpine skiing and figure skating competitions alongside 1,500 athletes, with intellectual disabilities, from 102 nations.
Shinichi Mochizuki, UK Branch President of Mitsubishi Electric said: “We are delighted to continue supporting the incredible work that Special Olympics GB does, giving these amazing athletes the recognition they deserve. It is more important than ever that everyone is given the chance to shine and realise their full potential.
“Our partnership continues to focus on delivering a range of joint initiatives which underpin, promote and reiterate the values and objectives of both organisations. We look forward to finding more opportunities for our colleagues to join in with the brilliant work this amazing body achieves.”