From June 25 to July 4, 2011 in Athens, 7,000 of the world’s greatest Special Olympics athletes from nearly 180 nations will compete in 22 Olympic-type sports. Hilton Worldwide has been named the official hotel sponsor of the event, and of Special Olympics International altogether through 2014.
The Special Olympics movement founded in 1968 by Eunice Kennedy Shriver. Since, the competition has evolved into a global movement dedicated to empowering individuals with intellectual disabilities to reinforce their self-esteem, and to discover their special abilities.
This is how, people with special disabilities can integrate better in their communities, proving that they can be an active part of our society. Through its contributions, Hilton Worldwide encourages acceptance, and support for activities promoted by institutions like Special Olympics.
To support Special Olympics and its mission, Hilton Worldwide will launch the “Celebrating Special Olympics” traveling photography exhibit, featuring images from famed photographer Richard Corman, and will donate 75 million Hilton HHonors points to the organization. The hotel chain will also provide discounted accommodations to Special Olympics constituents attending events such as the World Games. Last, but not least, for each person that “likes” the Hilton HHonors Facebook page during the 2011 Special Olympics World Summer Games, Hilton Worldwide will donate one hundred Hilton HHonors points to Special Olympics (up to one million points).
"Celebrating Special Olympics" will begin touring Hilton properties at Hilton Athens on June 24 and then will travel the globe making stops at select properties within the Hilton Worldwide portfolio of hotel brands. Following the completion of the Corman photography tour, the photos will be auctioned off with all proceeds benefiting Special Olympics.