Parsippany, N.J.—On Sept. 21, 2016, representatives of the New Jersey chapter of the Special Olympics visited the Safilo North America offices in Parsippany, N.J. to speak to Safilo’s employees.

Colleen Ciecura, Special Olympics New Jersey athlete, coach, board of directors member, vice president of athlete congress and member of the Garden State Lions Club, addressed employees in the cafeteria at the Parsippany headquarters.

Ciecura shared stories about her experience with Special Olympics and the opportunities that being involved has given her.

“She learned not only to play but excel at many sports which is a stark contrast to her early years when many, like herself, who are living with intellectual disabilities are excluded from playing with others,” the company said.

“Special Olympics also helps her in her personal life; her family has become closer and she is self-confident. She has now been given a voice to help others who can’t speak for themselves and afforded the opportunity to speak to companies, like Safilo, both charismatically and articulately, something she was not able to do before,” the company said.

The partnership between Safilo and Special Olympics started in 2003, and over the past 14 years, it has led to over 1 million optical frames and sunglasses being provided to Special Olympics athletes all over the world.

Safilo renewed its support of Special Olympics earlier this year with a donation of 160,000 pieces of eyewear per year up to 2018 for the athletes of Special Olympics. Athletes can choose their glasses and sunglasses; in addition, Safilo is involved with the program dedicated to providing vision care to athletes.

“We are all taking part in a meeting that is not an ordinary one. One hour of our work day is dedicated to listening to the activity of an organization that helps people in everyday life,” the company said.

“We don’t want to forget the main purpose of this meeting for Special Olympics, which is recruiting. Volunteers offer crucial support to help the organization provide year-round quality practices and competitions.” Safilo said.

Employees of Safilo North America gather during the visit from Special Olympics’s New Jersey chapter.

Colleen Ciecura addresses the room of Safilo employees. Employees of Safilo North America gather during the visit from Special Olympics’s New Jersey chapter. Henri Blomqvist, CEO of Safilo North America speaks during the day’s event.