Microsoft announced Monday a three-year, multimillion dollar partnership with the Special Olympics to modernize the nonprofit’s technology and elevate it to the cloud.
The Azure-based games management system will enable instant access to real-time updates and athlete information. Microsoft will also provide 800 Surface tablets and 1,200 Lumia phones, which will be used to track all events at the 2015 World Games in Los Angeles, while connecting volunteers across multiple venues.
“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,” said Lisa Brummel, Microsoft’s executive vice president of Human Resources. “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 organization.”
The company has also committed to raising additional funds for the non-profit, pledging $1 million over the life of the partnership in the spirit of Microsoft’s company-wide Giving Campaign.
“We’re so excited. This is going to change our world,” said Special Olympics Chief Executive Officer Janet Froetscher. “Our partnership with Microsoft is going to allow us to leapfrog into the next universe and be able to execute on our mission in a much more powerful way.”
Read the full story on the Microsoft News Center.
Aimee Riordan
Microsoft News Center Staff