The Intersection of Service and Inclusion: LCIF and Special Olympics celebrate 25 years of partnership.

Our most impactful partnerships are born from the inherent belief that Lions can make a difference, and that the slogan, “Where there’s a need, there’s a Lion,” can be lived out repeatedly all over the world. Lions perceive community needs from a grassroots level that they believe can be successfully addressed through ambitious vision and hands-on service.

Twenty-five years ago, Lion Dr. Paul Berman saw a need and founded the Lions Clubs International Foundation (LCIF)-Special Olympics Opening Eyes® Program. It was the first-ever vision care curriculum for eye care professionals to establish best practices in the effective treatment of individuals with intellectual disabilities. By offering vision screenings for Special Olympics athletes, eye care professionals gained hands-on experience, and athletes received high-quality care for free.

Dr. Berman’s dream of improving access to vision care for people with disabilities has been realized in more than 475,500 screenings and 281,000 free prescription eyeglasses for Special Olympics athletes.

Since 2013, Special Olympics and LCIF have expanded the partnership to include areas of global collaboration beyond vision.

“Over the years, LCIF has awarded more than US$30 million to Special Olympics for activities that include Opening Eyes, Unified Sports®, Motor Activities Training Programs (MATP), Unified with Refugees and Athlete Leadership, Family Health Forums, youth activation and so many more,” said LCIF Chairperson A.P. Singh. “We have invested in a partnership that has expanded our vision for inclusion, provided a platform for Lions and Leos to serve alongside Special Olympics athletes and their families, and broadened access to community services for those who need them most.”

More than 23,000 Lions and Leos have volunteered with Special Olympics since our Partnership began. Through our extensive partnership activities, Special Olympics athletes and staff have been inspired to join Lions and Leo clubs and make a difference in their local communities.

“At Special Olympics, we are grateful to have such an impactful, global partnership with the world’s largest, most active, and most inclusive service organization in the world,” said Special Olympics CEO David Evangelista. “Many associations support individuals with intellectual disabilities as beneficiaries of service, which we as a movement greatly appreciate. What makes Lions Clubs International unique is the focus on engaging this population to become agents of service, bringing their talents and abilities to the community as Lions. I believe it is at this intersection of service and inclusion that we are changing the world.”