2015_Toyota_LA_Torch_special-olympics-7-23-15

VALENCIA, CALIF. – The Los Angeles Region of Toyota Motor Sales today presented a check for $110,200 to the Special Olympics World Games Los Angeles 2015 (LA2015) during a Torch Ceremony celebration of the Law Enforcement Torch Run (LETR) Final Leg for the World Games. To showcase Toyota’s support both locally and nationally, Valencia Mayor Marsha McLean joined Toyota Motor Sales Los Angeles Region General Manager Alec Hagey and LETR Final Leg Team Leader Chief Jeff Spaulding for the ceremony at Westfield Valencia Town Center.

“We are proud of our local dealers throughout Southern California for fully committing to support such a worthwhile cause,” said Alec Hagey, general manager of the Los Angeles Region of Toyota Motor Sales. “Special Olympics has such a positive impact on athletes and those who participate. The Toyota team is proud to play a supporting role in the World Games and for Special Olympics USA.”

The LETR Final Leg Team is in the process of visiting 127 cities, towns and communities, while traveling 4,648 miles. Law enforcement members, together with Special Olympics athletes, are running the Special Olympics Flame of Hope throughout California, spreading awareness for Special Olympics and creating excitement for the 2015 Special Olympics World Games.

Today’s celebration and check presentation is part of an ongoing celebration with Toyota as the Official Automotive Sponsor of the 2015 Special Olympics World Games, taking place in Los Angeles from July 25 to August 2. With 6,500 athletes, 165 countries represented and 30,000 volunteers, the LA2015 World Games will be the largest sports and humanitarian event this year.

“We’re thankful to Toyota for their support of Special Olympics and our athletes,” said Jenise Steverding, Senior Director of Corporate Partnerships for Special Olympics World Games. “They’ve been a tremendous partner and we appreciate their leadership and commitment to helping develop our athletes and create communities of inclusion for all citizens.”

In addition to LETR Final Leg Torch Ceremony celebrations, Toyota dealers nationwide are supporting Special Olympics athletes and coaches in their journey to the Games through a fundraising effort. The automaker also supplied vehicles for the first-ever Special Olympics Unified Relay Across America, presented by Bank of America, which helped spread awareness about Special Olympics throughout the country from May 26-July 10.

Through its commitment to the communities its team members live and work in, Toyota continues to contribute to economic and social development throughout local communities across the nation. The Special Olympics World Games event complements Toyota’s local investment in employment, philanthropic efforts and environmental responsibility. To date, Toyota has donated more than $700 million to non-profits across the U.S.