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Celebrating 2026 Special Olympics USA Games: A Partnership with Purpose

As the countdown to the 2026 Special Olympics USA Games continues, the partnership between the International Special Olympics and Bank of America (BofA) has reached a significant milestone. On June 24, 2025, the two organizations announced a transformative three-year grant totaling $5 million aimed at empowering athletes with intellectual and developmental disabilities (IDD). This initiative is set to enhance the leadership roles these athletes can assume within their communities, enabling them to seek competitive employment and truly realize their full potential.

This generous funding from BofA will support various programs at global, national, regional, and local levels, notably the “Athlete Leadership” and “Unified Leadership” programs. Looking ahead, these efforts aim to expand into Asia-Pacific, Africa, and Latin America, creating a more inclusive environment for athletes worldwide. The funds will primarily be invested in expanding initiatives like job training for athletes and programs designed to foster the involvement of individuals with IDD in leadership roles. The overarching goal is to cultivate an inclusive mindset in workplaces and create friendly environments for people of all abilities.

As of now, more than 2,000 businesses, schools, and community organizations have joined this effort, highlighting the widespread support for fostering inclusivity and acceptance.

Mary Davis, CEO of Special Olympics, expressed her gratitude, stating, “At this crucial moment, Bank of America’s support is a timely blessing. They understand that Special Olympic athletes are the most potent advocates for social inclusion. We will work together to ensure that individuals with IDD have a voice in all meaningful conversations and are provided with platforms to lead change.”

What It Means to Be a Platinum Partner

Alongside the generous grant, Bank of America will serve as a platinum partner of the 2026 Special Olympics USA Games, taking place from June 20 to June 26, 2026, in Minneapolis, Minnesota. The bank will exclusively sponsor the golf event within the competitions, expecting to see over 159 athletes and 40 coaches participating. This partnership also aligns with BofA’s spring initiative called “Golf with Us,” which intends to introduce more Americans to the sport of golf.

Moreover, BofA employees donate an average of 10,000 hours each year to communities with disabilities, showcasing their commitment to genuine community engagement. Lucas Giambelluca, President of Bank of America’s Minneapolis-St. Paul region, is also a board member of the 2026 Games organizing committee, emphasizing the bank's deep involvement in the upcoming event.

Charlotte Miller, a Special Olympics athlete from Indiana, added her perspective on how the partnership benefits individual athletes: “The collaboration with Bank of America gave me opportunities to develop my leadership skills. I learned photography through the Athlete Leadership Program and gained confidence in public speaking. Teaching other athletes about 'Better Money Habits' has been rewarding, as I've seen how these lessons aid them in saving and managing finances effectively. I'm looking forward to my first USA Games, not just to compete in golf but to meet incredible friends from across the nation.”

Commitment to Inclusion

Bank of America has been a steadfast supporter of the Special Olympics for decades, embodying shared values through charitable contributions and volunteer services among their approximately 300,000 employees. Their commitment includes promoting economic opportunities and creating environments where all employees, regardless of visible or invisible disabilities, can thrive and achieve their personal goals.

AJ Barkley, the bank’s Corporate Social Responsibility Executive, echoed this sentiment: “Sports possess a unique power to unite people. For nearly 50 years, our partnership with Special Olympics has demonstrated this truth as we work to create opportunities for individuals of all abilities. Our ongoing charitable investments and sponsorship of the 2026 USA Games exemplify our commitment to empowering each person in the communities we serve to become leaders and thrive.”

An Inclusive Foundation

It is noteworthy that BofA’s “Support Services Team” has been operational for over 30 years, with more than 300 employees with IDD continuing to play significant roles in marketing and operations. The bank also boasts a global membership of over 23,000 individuals within its Disability Action Network (DAN), connecting employees across 30 chapters to foster professional development and enhance community engagement.

Furthermore, in collaboration with the Special Olympics and the National Disability Institute, BofA provides a series of educational resources focused on “Better Money Habits.” These tools are designed to help individuals with IDD attain financial independence.

Special Olympics Overview

Founded in 1968, Special Olympics is a global movement aimed at ending discrimination against individuals with intellectual disabilities. Through the power of sports along with programs in education, health, and leadership, Special Olympics promotes acceptance for all. With over 4 million athletes and Unified Sports partners in more than 200 countries, along with a million coaches and volunteers, the organization holds over 50,000 events annually across nearly 30 Olympic-style sports.

For more information, visit SpecialOlympics.org and follow them on social media.

Special Olympics 2026 USA Games

The 2026 Special Olympics USA Games will be held from June 20 to June 26, 2026, in the Twin Cities of Minnesota. This event will celebrate inclusivity, challenge perceptions, and display the human spirit's ability to transcend limitations. Expected to be one of the largest sporting events in the U.S. that year, it will welcome thousands of spectators and over 3,000 outstanding athletes representing all 50 states competing across approximately 16 Olympic-type team and individual sports. Minnesota has long upheld its reputation as a champion of diversity and inclusion, presenting a monumental opportunity for residents to rejuvenate the Special Olympics movement and effect lasting positive changes. For more information, visit 2026specialolympicsusagames.org.

About Bank of America

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