Toyota Mobility Foundation to Support Special Olympics International in Promoting Social Inclusion of People with Intellectual Disabilities Through Sports
TOKYO, JAPAN
March 18, 2026
Toyota Mobility Foundation (hereinafter “TMF”) has concluded a grant agreement with Special Olympics International (hereinafter “SOI”) to support activities that provide opportunities for people with intellectual disabilities to maintain their physical and mental well-being through sports and share the joy of living with their families and communities.
In addition to promoting Unified Sports, where people with and without intellectual disabilities practice on the same team and compete while developing an understanding of and supporting each other's individuality, the agreement will provide year-round sports training and competition opportunities in various sports worldwide. Specific details are as follows:
Overview
1. Duration
2026–2028 (three years) *Grant amount is undisclosed
2. Details of Support
Support activities worldwide through the following two core programs
- Promoting the growth and expansion of Unified Sports
- Increase opportunities for Unified Sports and host competitions worldwide
- Develop leaders who will promote Unified Sports
- Establish the foundations needed to realize fair competition and participation in Unified Sports
- Providing opportunities for sports training and competitions at the local level
SOI, with over 50 years of experience, will drive these activities overall, leveraging its extensive expertise and network. Together with approximately 200 million people worldwide with intellectual disabilities and their families, our goal is to create a better world by fostering a society in which all people are accepted and included.
Through the power of sports, people with intellectual disabilities discover new strengths and abilities, gaining joy, confidence, and fulfillment both on the playing field and in life. At the same time, they also inspire people in their communities and elsewhere who interact with them to open their hearts to a wider world of human talent and potential. Special Olympics embodies a spirit of taking on challenges, respect, and inclusion, which are values that align with Toyota’s philosophy. Accordingly, TMF will contribute to the promotion and development of Special Olympics, while also working together to realize a truly inclusive society.
About the Special Olympics
Special Olympics is an international sports organization founded in 1968 by Eunice Kennedy Shriver in the United States. It provides children and adults with intellectual disabilities the opportunity to gain confidence, joy, and growth through sports. It aims to create a better world by fostering the acceptance and inclusion of all people.
Special Olympics International (SOI)
About Toyota Mobility Foundation
Toyota Mobility Foundation (Chair Akio Toyoda) was established in August 2014 by Toyota Motor Corporation (Toyota) to support the development of a more mobile society in which everyone can move freely. The Foundation underscores Toyota’s ongoing commitment to continuous improvement and respect for people. It utilizes Toyota’s expertise and technologies to support strong mobility systems while eliminating disparities in mobility. TMF works in partnership with universities, governments, non-profits, research institutions and other organizations, creating programs that are aligned with the UN Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs) to address mobility issues around the world. “TMF aims to create a truly mobile society that will help people live better lives no matter where they are," said Chair Akio Toyoda.
Contact Information
Toyota Mobility Foundation