Paralympians are some of the most elite athletes in the world — breaking through mobility barriers and pushing beyond what many think is possible.
But despite facing incredible physical odds, many still battle financial burdens that threaten to put their dreams on hold forever.
In May, Toyota announced a major new program to help.
The company unveiled a new initiative to provide financial stipends through the Toyota U.S. Paralympic Fund, as well as sponsorship opportunities to all athletes named to the U.S. Paralympic Team.
POINT OF PRIDE
“I’m so proud to be part of an organization that’s fully embraced something of this magnitude,” DeLilli says. “It’s something that’s going to leave a lasting legacy for so many athletes and the Paralympic movement, too.”
“Paralympians demonstrate that no matter the challenge, anything is possible when a person is free to move,” says Dedra DeLilli, group manager of Sponsorship, Integration, & Auto Shows. “Toyota created this program to support all U.S. Paralympic athletes as they pursue their athletic dreams. This commitment aligns with Toyota’s values and our respect for people. As team members, I hope we feel proud that we are able to make a meaningful impact on the lives of hundreds of athletes as they work to represent our country on the world’s largest stage.”
Toyota will be the first-ever sponsor to execute a campaign of this size and scope for all Paralympic athletes.
The program will provide a $3,000 donation to all Paralympic Team USA members currently training and in contention for the Paralympic Games Tokyo 2020 and/or Paralympic Winter Games Beijing 2022.
The company will also invite any U.S. Paralympic athlete who is named to the U.S. Paralympic Team for the Tokyo or Beijing Games to officially join the Toyota team through sponsorship agreements. They’ll also be eligible for a limited-time vehicle purchase incentive. By expanding Toyota’s reach, we’ll provide dealers with the opportunity to identify and partner with local Paralympic athletes for their communities to embrace and cheer on as they compete.
In fact, DeLilli and her team are working closely with Regions and dealers to find ways to develop this partnership and integrate the Dealer Match program to further help Paralympic athletes.
DeLilli believes the initiative is Toyota’s defining moment for the U.S. Olympic and Paralympic movements. She hopes that all parts of the organization — team members, regions, dealers, and business partners — will rally in support.
Anyone can donate to the fund and help support these athletes by clicking here.
As the program rolls out nationwide, there will be other opportunities for team members, business partners and dealers to get involved at every level of the organization. Potentially customers, too.
In the meantime, DeLilli asks team members to embrace the program’s mission and think of how they can integrate the initiative into their existing work.
“I’m so honored to be part of an organization that’s fully embraced something of this magnitude,” DeLilli says. “It’s something that’s going to leave a lasting legacy for so many athletes and the Paralympic Movement, too. I want to thank every Toyota team member, dealer, and our business partners for their support. We’re all part of helping dreams come true and that’s not something you can say every day.”
