#USA #Minneapolis #Bank of America #Special Olympics #Inclusion Programs

Countdown to the 2026 Special Olympics USA

The excitement is building as the Special Olympics celebrates the one-year countdown to the USA Games, set to take place from June 20 to June 26, 2026, in Minneapolis, Minnesota. This milestone event recently received a substantial boost with the announcement of a $5 million grant from Bank of America (BofA) aimed at expanding programs for athletes with intellectual and developmental disabilities (IDD).

Grant Overview

The three-year grant will enhance the infrastructure and growth of initiatives like the Athlete Leadership and Unified Leadership programs, not just locally but also regionally, nationally, and globally, reaching areas in Asia-Pacific, Africa, and Latin America. The funding will specifically support the scaling of workforce preparation trainings and is designed to cultivate inclusive mindsets promoting friendly workplaces for individuals of all capabilities. To date, the training has reached over 2,000 businesses, schools, and community organizations worldwide.

Mary Davis, CEO of Special Olympics, highlighted the importance of this support, stating, "Bank of America’s backing comes at a critical time as we work to expand equitable access to leadership opportunities for Special Olympics athletes. This support recognizes that Special Olympics athletes are among the most influential voices in advocating for inclusion. Together, we are committed to ensuring that individuals with intellectual disabilities have meaningful participation in all conversations and have a platform to lead them."

Platinum Partnership

In addition to the grant, Bank of America will also serve as a Platinum Partner for the Special Olympics USA Games. This partnership includes the sponsorship of golf, which will engage over 159 athletes and 40 caddies. This sponsorship aligns with BofA’s 'Golf With Us' initiative aimed at fostering interest in the sport across the country.

Furthermore, the bank has pledged an average of 10,000 hours of volunteer service annually, allowing employees from the Minneapolis area and surrounding markets to volunteer and show their support for Special Olympics athletes, families, and coaches. Lucas Giambelluca, president of the Minneapolis-St. Paul chapter, is on the board of the organizing committee for the 2026 Special Olympics.

Athlete Experience

Charlotte Miller from Special Olympics Indiana expressed her gratitude for the opportunities provided by the Athlete Leadership program, stating, "The partnership with Bank of America allows athletes like me to develop our leadership skills. I’ve learned photography and gained confidence in public speaking. I also enjoy teaching fellow athletes about Better Money Habits. I’ve been a facilitator for over a year, helping athletes learn to save and manage their money effectively. I’m excited to compete in golf at my first USA Games and meet amazing people from all over the country."

For decades, Bank of America has supported Special Olympics, rooted in shared values and reinforcing the company’s commitment to uplifting local communities through philanthropic donations, workforce development initiatives, and volunteer efforts from its employees worldwide. The bank aims to foster an environment where all team members, including those with visible and invisible disabilities, can thrive and achieve their goals.

AJ Barkley, BofA’s Director of Corporate Social Responsibility, remarked on the transformative power of sports, saying, "Sports has a unique ability to unite people, and for almost 50 years, Bank of America has witnessed this through our partnership with Special Olympics as we work to advance their global movement, which focuses on empowering people of all abilities. Our ongoing philanthropic investment and sponsorship of the 2026 USA Games underscores our commitment to equipping everyone to lead and succeed in the communities we serve."

Bank of America Support Services

The Bank of America support services team has been operating for over 30 years, comprising more than 300 employees with IDD. With over 23,000 members globally, the Disability Action Network (DAN) connects employees with professional growth opportunities, hosts informative forums, and encourages community involvement. Additionally, in collaboration with Special Olympics and the National Disability Institute, Bank of America has created educational resources under 'Better Money Habits' to assist individuals with intellectual disabilities in achieving financial independence.

About Special Olympics

Established in 1968, Special Olympics is a global movement to end the discrimination of individuals with intellectual disabilities. It encourages acceptance for all through sports, education, health, and leadership programs. Special Olympics comprises over four million athletes and Unified Sports partners, along with one million coaches and volunteers across 200 countries, offering more than 30 Olympic-type sports and nearly 50,000 events yearly. For more, engage with us on X, Facebook, YouTube, Instagram, TikTok, and LinkedIn or visit SpecialOlympics.org.

About the 2026 Special Olympics 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 is a celebration of inclusion, perception change, and the human spirit's ability to overcome challenges. Expected to be one of the year's largest sporting events in the U.S., it will attract thousands of fans to support over 3,000 incredible athletes from all 50 states competing in approximately 16 Olympic-type sports, both team-based and individual.

For more information, visit 2026specialolympicsusagames.org.

About Bank of America

Bank of America is one of the world’s leading financial institutions, serving individuals, small- to medium-sized businesses, and large corporations with a full suite of banking, investment, asset management, and other financial and risk management services. The company offers unmatched convenience in the U.S. for approximately 69 million consumer and small business clients through around 3,700 retail financial centers, nearly 15,000 ATMs, and an award-winning digital banking platform with about 59 million verified digital users. As a global leader in wealth management, corporate and investment banking, the firm operates through a vast range of asset types, serving businesses, governments, institutions, and individuals worldwide. For more news about Bank of America, including dividend announcements and other important information, please visit its press room and sign up to receive news alerts by email.