For over a decade, Bank of America has partnered with Special Olympics Massachusetts (SOMA) to support their mission of fostering the acceptance and inclusion of all people across the Commonwealth. The bank’s support goes beyond sports competitions, and addresses the fundamental issues of acceptance, inclusion and respect for the disability community.
Bank of America has partnered with SOMA on two annual events: the School Day Games and Summer Games. Held in the spring, School Day Games offer sporting events to over 350 students in Boston and Brockton and over 400 students in Attleboro and Mashpee. During School Day Games events, students participate in a traditional Opening Ceremony, compete in at least three activities and receive an award for their accomplishments at a closing ceremony.
Hosted in June at Harvard University, the Summer Games serve as the culmination of SOMA sports programs held throughout the spring. Bank of America continues to serve as lead sponsor of one of Summer Games’ largest sports, aquatics, which had over 700 athletes competing. Many employee volunteers at both School Day Games and Summer Games are affiliated with the bank’s Boston Disability Action Network (DAN) chapter.
“We are incredibly grateful for our partnership with Bank of America. School Day Games and Summer Games are very important initiatives in spreading our mission of respect, inclusion and opportunity in schools throughout Massachusetts,” said Mary Beth McMahon, President and CEO of Special Olympics Massachusetts. “Bank of America’s long history of support has had a tremendous impact in helping this mission reach tens of thousands of students.”
“I encourage all our colleagues to get involved and to help create inclusive communities starting right here in Massachusetts,” said Bank of America Massachusetts President Miceal Chamberlain. “We truly are better when we’re connected, through each and every individual.”
Bank of America has been a longstanding and strategic partner of Special Olympics. The bank is supported the 2018 Special Olympics USA Games in Seattle and the Special Olympics USA team competing in the 2019 Summer World Games in Abu Dhabi to help foster the acceptance and inclusion of all people.
