Toyota (GB) has reinforced its support for inclusive, grassroots sport by extending its official mobility partner agreement with the Special Olympics Great Britain charity for a further two years.
Toyota has enjoyed a longstanding relationship with the Special Olympics movement, serving as a global and regional partner since 2017 and 2020 respectively. On a national scale, the official partnership with Toyota (GB) was agreed in 2023 and over the past two years has made a significant impact in helping transform the lives of people with learning disabilities.
At the end of last year, the Toyota Coaching Fund was created to help Special Olympics GB athletes and volunteers increase their skills and develop coaching credentials, completing qualifications across Special Olympics GB’s 27 competition sports. As of the end of July 2025, a total of 74 applications from across the country have been received for the fund. This is well on track to achieve a target of supporting 100 coaches.
Toyota (GB) has supported career development initiatives for Special Olympics GB athletes, including a bespoke employability programme for members of its Athlete Leadership Team. It also secured the return of the National Indoor Athletics Competition in London last year, through dedicated event funding.
In 2023, Toyota (GB) spearheaded a national awareness campaign for Special Olympics GB during the Special Olympics World Games in Berlin. The campaign featured creative Team Special Olympics GB branding across prominent outdoor media sites, via fellow partner Ocean Outdoor, as well as a Fan Park at Westfield London.
“Toyota (GB) has been fantastic in enhancing development opportunities for Special Olympics GB athletes both on and off the field of play,” said Laura Baxter MBE, chief executive of Special Olympics GB. “This has been more than a partnership – it has been a shared commitment to building an inclusive future and we’re proud to extend this relationship for a further two years.”
Scott Thompson, president and managing director of Toyota (GB), commented: “We believe in the power of sport and mobility for all to transform people’s lives. It’s wonderful to see the results of our partnership so far, in providing more opportunities for children and adults with intellectual disabilities to experience the benefits of coaching and competition provided by Special Olympics GB. We’re looking forward to achieving even more over the next two years.”
About Special Olympics GB
- Special Olympics Great Britain, set up in 1978, is a non-profit charity which provides year-round sports coaching and athletic competition in summer and winter sports for children and adults with intellectual disabilities
- Special Olympics GB currently has 98 accredited programmes in England, Scotland and Wales and provides coaching and competition opportunities in 27 sports. These programmes are run by over 3,800 volunteers who support more than 6,600 athletes with intellectual disabilities to take part
- Special Olympics GB is more than just an opportunity to take part in sport – it transforms lives. It provides opportunities to increase confidence, realise potential, develop physical fitness and mental well-being, demonstrate courage and experience new friendships. And above all for both athletes and their families – to have some FUN
- The work of Special Olympics GB is currently funded by individuals, trust and corporate donations, with financial support being crucial to enable the charity to continue its work
- In addition to learning more about the charity on its website, you can engage with Special Olympics GB on social media via Facebook, Instagram, Twitter, TikTok and LinkedIn
Wonderful. More corporate organisations should be doing this. Well done Toyota!