PLANO, TEXAS – En route to the Special Olympics World Games Los Angeles 2015, Toyota celebrates the Flame of Hope arriving at the temporary Toyota headquarters (TCAL) last Friday afternoon as part of the Unified Relay Across America. Toyota’s Steve Curtis, vice president of corporate communications; and Terri Von Lehmden, national manager, PMO & talent acquisition, made the half-mile torch run down Legacy Drive in Plano, Texas. As Curtis and Von Lehmden arrived at headquarters, they were greeted by local Special Olympics athletes and their families, Jim Lentz, Toyota Motor North America chief executive officer, and one-hundred of the first Toyota employees who have moved to Texas.

As the Flame of Hope was carried onto Toyota soil, Lentz addressed the crowd in attendance reiterating Toyota’s commitment to Special Olympics USA, what it means for Toyota to be a part of the World Games Los Angeles 2015, as well as the Unified Relay Across America.

“Today is a truly gratifying and humbling experience for Toyota,” said Jim Lentz, Toyota Motor North America, chief executive officer. “Toyota is proud to play a supporting role in the World Games and Special Olympics USA. Toyota will continue to celebrate and support the abilities of Special Olympics athletes and the overall mission of this great organization.”

Curtis and Von Lehmden concluded Friday’s festivities as they departed TCAL with another half-mile run down the route and handed the torch off to a waiting Toyota vehicle, which will help deliver the torch to the next stop in Arlington.

Friday’s ceremony is part of an ongoing celebration from Toyota as the Official Automotive Sponsor of the 2015 Special Olympics World Games, taking place in Los Angeles from July 25 to August 2. With more than 7,000 athletes, 177 represented countries and 30,000 volunteers, the 2015 Special Olympics World Games will be the largest sports and humanitarian event this year. Toyota is raising awareness and support around the Special Olympics World Games, and joining in its mission of acceptance, inclusion and embracing diversity.

“Toyota has been a tremendous partner of the Special Olympics World Games Los Angeles 2015 and throughout many segments of the Unified Relay Across America, said Chris Hahn, Head of Delegation for Special Olympics USA, adding, “We are particularly thankful for their support of Special Olympics USA.”

The Special Olympics event is just one example of how Toyota is engaged philanthropically in the state of Texas. Toyota has made numerous investments since 1991, which includes $3.9 billion into the state’s economy and $17.9 million in nonprofit contributions.