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| (Image Source: PR Newswire/Bank Of America/Special Olympics International) |
Special Olympics International and Bank of America have joined forces to announce a transformative $5M (five million US dollars) grant, aimed at expanding leadership and workforce readiness programs for athletes with intellectual and developmental disabilities (IDD). The three-year partnership will fund the growth of Special Olympics Athlete Leadership and Unified Leadership programming across the globe, from local communities to international levels, including expanding reach in Asia Pacific, Africa, and Latin America. The $5M investment is part of Bank of America’s ongoing commitment to empowering individuals with IDD. The grant will directly impact Special Olympics’ efforts to deliver workforce readiness training, develop Athlete Leadership programs, and support Unified Leadership — a training program designed to cultivate inclusive mindsets for workplaces and communities. To date, Unified Leadership has been offered to over 2,000 businesses, schools, and organizations worldwide.
“Bank of America’s support comes at a crucial time as we work to expand equitable access to leadership opportunities for Special Olympics athletes. Special Olympics athletes are among the most impactful voices for inclusion, and together, we will ensure they are included in all conversations and have the platform to lead,” said Special Olympics International CEO Mary Davis. As part of this historic collaboration, Bank of America will serve as a Platinum Partner of the upcoming 2026 Special Olympics USA Games, set to take place in Minneapolis, Minnesota on June 20-26, 2026. The bank will sponsor golf at the event with over 159 athletes and 40 caddies competing. This commitment builds upon Bank of America’s Golf with Us initiative, which seeks to bring more people into the sport of golf across the United States. Bank of America’s sponsorship also supports their Minneapolis-based employees who will have opportunities to volunteer and demonstrate their support for Special Olympics athletes, families, and coaches during the USA Games. Charlotte Miller, a participant in Special Olympics Indiana, shared her personal experience, saying, “Partnering with Bank of America gives athletes like me a chance to grow our leadership skills. Through the Athlete Leadership Program, I’ve learned photography, gained confidence in public speaking, and taught others about Better Money Habits. I’m thrilled to be competing in my first Special Olympics USA Games and meeting incredible people from all over the country.”
Bank of America’s longstanding partnership with Special Olympics spans nearly 50 years, with the bank focusing on philanthropic giving, workforce development, and volunteerism to support the disability community. Head of Corporate Social Responsibility AJ Barkley emphasized the impact of this partnership, stating, “Sports have a unique ability to unite people. For nearly 50 years, we have seen this through our partnership with Special Olympics, as we advance their global movement to foster opportunity for people of all abilities.” In addition to the $5M grant, Bank of America has also partnered with Special Olympics and the National Disability Institute to create Better Money Habits — a series of educational resources aimed at helping people with intellectual disabilities achieve financial independence. The 2026 Special Olympics USA Games will be held across the Twin Cities, attracting more than 3,000 athletes from all 50 states. The event will feature 16 Olympic-type sports and bring together communities to celebrate inclusion and human achievement. For more information on the 2026 USA Games, visit 2026specialolympicsusagames.org.
