In a major boost to global inclusion and community empowerment, Bank of America and Special Olympics International have announced a $5 million, three-year sponsorship and grant initiative, elevating the financial institution to Platinum Partner status for the 2026 Special Olympics USA Games. The funding will expand Athlete Leadership and Unified Leadership programs across multiple continents, including Asia Pacific, Africa, and Latin America.
Enhancing Leadership and Workforce Readiness
The grant, revealed on the one-year countdown to the 2026 Games, will bolster workplace readiness training, provide leadership development for athletes with intellectual and developmental disabilities (IDD), and scale Unified Leadership, a peer-led training initiative already implemented in over 2,000 global organizations.
“Bank of America’s support comes at a critical time as we expand equitable leadership opportunities for Special Olympics athletes,” said Mary Davis, CEO of Special Olympics. “Together, we will ensure that people with intellectual disabilities are included in conversations and have platforms to demonstrate leadership.”
Spotlight on 2026 Special Olympics USA Games
Bank of America’s support will also extend to the Special Olympics USA Golf Program, which will showcase over 159 athletes and 40 caddies during the 2026 USA Games in Minneapolis, Minnesota (June 20–26, 2026). The partnership aligns with the bank’s Golf with Us initiative launched earlier this year, which aims to increase inclusive participation in golf nationwide.
Bank of America employees will have new volunteer opportunities, particularly in the Minneapolis–St. Paul area, where Lucas Giambelluca, Regional President, serves on the Games’ organizing committee board.
Athletes at the Center
Special Olympics athlete Charlotte Miller from Indiana shared her journey:
“Through our partnership with Bank of America, I have developed skills in public speaking and financial literacy. As a mentor in the ‘Better Money Habits’ program, I help other athletes manage money more effectively. I’m excited to participate in my first USA Games and meet amazing people from across the country.”
A Longstanding Commitment to Inclusion
Bank of America has supported the Special Olympics movement for nearly five decades. The company maintains one of the world’s most comprehensive disability inclusion strategies:
- Support Services Team: 300+ employees with IDD working in marketing and operations
- Disability Action Network (DAN): 23,000+ members, 30+ global chapters
- Financial Education: “Better Money Habits” resources developed in partnership with Special Olympics and the National Institute on Disability
“Our philanthropic investment and sponsorship of the 2026 Special Olympics USA Games reaffirm our deep commitment to empowering every individual to lead and thrive,” said AJ Barkley, Head of Corporate Social Responsibility at Bank of America.
