In recognition of its fiftieth anniversary, Special Olympics International has announced an $8.8 million pledge from the Lions Clubs International Foundation to extend their global partnership in support of individuals with intellectual disabilities.

Building on a nineteen-year partnership between the organizations, the funds will be used to expand Mission: Inclusion, a program that provides key services in the areas of vision care, health education, inclusive sports, leadership development, and youth activation. Through the program, Special Olympics and Lions Clubs International will continue to provide inclusive development programming around the world and will create deeper ties with each other as part of a renewed commitment to service and social inclusion internationally.

The commitment is part of a multiyear partnership to support inclusive communities worldwide and strengthen the relationship between Special Olympics, Lions Clubs International, and the Lions Clubs International Foundation. Over the years, Lions Clubs have provided support for a number of Special Olympics initiatives, including Special Olympics-Lions Clubs International Opening Eyes, the Special Olympics Unified Sports program, Special Olympics Family Health Forums, and the Special Olympics Leadership Academy, with the shared goal of achieving full youth empowerment and activation.

"Since 2001, LCIF and countless Lions Clubs members have been champions of inclusion. Through vision care, education, family support, and Unified Sports activities, LCI has been a truly global and local service leader for people with [intellectual disabilities]," said Special Olympics chairman Timothy P. Shriver. "Almost a quarter of Special Olympics athletes have never had an eye exam, and close to 40 percent need a new prescription for eyeglasses. Through Mission: Inclusion, LCI and Special Olympics are poised to close this health gap and show the world what it means to be fully inclusive. As a Lion myself, I am incredibly proud and honored to be partners with the largest, most active, and most inclusive service club organization in the world."