Computer software company Microsoft has struck a three-year partnership, from 2014-15 to 2016-17, with the Special Olympics.
The “multi-million dollar” deal will enable Microsoft to modernise the non-profit organisation’s software and games management system.
Microsoft’s systems will provide data on participants’ results, scores and personal bests around the world.
“The Special Olympics’ goal of creating a better world by fostering the acceptance and inclusion of all people is something we believe in here at Microsoft,” Lisa Brummel, Microsoft’s executive vice-president of human resources, said. “I am thrilled about our partnership with the Special Olympics over the next few years and our opportunity to contribute both technology and financial support to help them run their organisation.”
The next Special Olympics World Games will be the summer edition held in the US city of Los Angeles from July 25 to August 2, 2015. The Korean city of PyeongChang hosted the winter World Games last year.