Canon Inc. supported 2005 Special Olympics World Winter Games held in Nagano, Japan from February 26 to March 5.

The Special Olympics is a global movement providing opportunities for individuals with intellectual disabilities to take part in different year-round sports training and competitions. This 8th world games was held in Asia for the first time, and participating countries and regions totaled 84, the greatest number so far, with about 2,600 athletes and coaches. The theme is “Let’s celebrate together!” and a total of seven competition categories and 79 sporting events including Alpine Skiing, Figure Skating, and Speed Skating, took place.

The athletes, who competed amid the cheers of many people including families, participants, and local school children, gave full play to their abilities and daily training, and responded to the cheers with beaming faces. During the Olympic Games, a variety of programs besides sporting events were held to encourage communication among the athletes, families, voluntary staff, and local residents. It provided an exciting opportunity for all of them to deepen their understanding of different cultures and intellectual disabilities.

Canon Inc. supported the 2005 Special Olympics World Winter Games both financially and by providing products such as digital cameras and printers.