Special Olympics 2005 World Winter Games in Japan

The Special Olympics athletes are getting ready for a new great event in which they will the protagonists in Japan with the 2005 World Winter Games. The event will take place in Nagano from the 26th of February to the 5th of March and will see the participation of at least 2,500 athletes from more than 80 countries.

Safilo Group and Essilor International together with Nikon Corporation (which manufactures, markets and sells Nikon brand ophthalmic lenses in Japan and all over the world, as well as Essilor Varilux brand products in Japan) will take actively part to the Games as Official Worldwide Suppliers of Eyewear and Ophthalmic lenses to the Special Olympics Opening Eyes program.

During the event the athletes will be involved in several exciting sport disciplines, among which alpine skiing, cross-country skiing, snowboarding, figure skating, speed skating, floor hockey and more. In addition to the competitions there will be also a series of free screenings organized within the 'Healthy Athletes' program, among which the 'Opening Eyes' visual screenings that will be conducted by volunteer eye care professionals.

On this occasion Safilo Group and Essilor International will again donate ophthalmic frames, sunglasses and ophthalmic lenses to the athletes that will take part to the screenings: in particular Safilo Group will donate 800 ophthalmic frames and 800 sunglasses for the event, while Essilor International will provide the necessary ophthalmic lenses. In addition to this Safilo Group will also provide 400 ski goggles and 400 ski helmets for the athletes that will take part to the competitions.