MISSISSAUGA, ON, March 28, 2017 /CNW/ - Kia Canada Inc. (KCI) announced today a multi-year pledge of support as the official national automotive partner of Special Olympics Canada. In addition to financial and vehicle support, Kia employees will be given time to volunteer at various activities across the country to help the more than 20,000 current volunteers enrich the lives of Canadians living with an intellectual disability.
"Kia is proud to pledge our support to the organization that does so much to ensure that Canadians with intellectual disabilities are able to feel part of a community, improve their health and fitness, build their self-esteem and to develop other life skills," said Ted Lancaster, VP & COO, Kia Canada Inc. "Led by myself, Kia will take a hands-on role in helping to raise much-needed funds and awareness for Special Olympics – as well as helping to spread their message of acceptance and inclusion."
The partnership will take effect immediately, supporting national and regional efforts, ensuring that the many year-round, world-class programs are provided with the resources needed to help change attitudes and create a more inclusive society.
"We're thrilled to welcome Kia Canada to the Special Olympics family," said Sharon Bollenbach, CEO, Special Olympics Canada. "Like Kia, Special Olympics is all about the 'power to surprise,' and with this support, we will continue to grow our movement and demonstrate that people with intellectual disabilities can, and will succeed when given the opportunity."
More information and details about the partnership and its combined efforts will be announced in the near future.
About Special Olympics Canada
Established in 1969, the Canadian chapter of this international movement is dedicated to enriching the lives of Canadians with an intellectual disability through the transformative power and joy of sport. Operating out of sport clubs in all Canadian provinces and territories, except Nunavut, this grassroots movement reaches beyond the sphere of sport to empower individuals, change attitudes and build communities. From two-year-olds to mature adults, more than 42,500 athletes with an intellectual disability are registered in Special Olympics year-round programs across Canada. They are supported by more than 20,500 volunteers, including more than 15,700 trained coaches.
About Kia Canada Inc.
Kia Canada Inc. (www.kia.ca – www.facebook.com/kiacanada), a maker of quality vehicles for the young-at-heart is a subsidiary of Kia Motors Corporation (KMC) which was founded in 1999 and sells and services high quality, class leading vehicles like the Soul, Forte, Optima and Sorento through a network of 189 dealers nationwide. Kia Canada Inc. employs 154 people in its Mississauga, Ontario headquarters and four regional offices across Canada, including a state-of-the-art facility in Montreal. Kia's brand slogan "The Power to Surprise" represents the company's global commitment to surprise the world by providing exciting & inspiring experiences that go beyond expectations.
SOURCE KIA Canada Inc.
visit www.specialolympics.ca, follow us on Facebook and Twitter (@SpecialOCanada) or contact: Lisa Dunbar, Director, Marketing & Communications, Special Olympics Canada, T: 416.927.9050, ext. 4383, C: 905-751-6222, E: [email protected]; Allison Love, Communications Officer, Special Olympics Canada, T: 416.927.9050, ext. 4312, C: 416.301.4636, E: [email protected]. For more information about Kia Canada and our products, please visit our Media Centre at KiaMedia.ca or contact: Mark James, Corporate Communications Manager, Kia Canada Inc., T: 905-755-6251, C: 416-660-3568, E: [email protected]; John Adzija, National Manager, Corporate Communications & Corporate Partnerships, Kia Canada Inc., T: 905-755-6266; C: 905-301-6207; E: [email protected]
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