The Bank of America Charitable Foundation provides funding for Special Olympics, including Team USA and the 2009 Special Olympics World Winter Games in Boise, Idaho.
The Bank of America Charitable Foundation launched a partnership with Special Olympics in 2007 by providing funding for Special Olympics, including Team USA and the 2007 Special Olympics World Summer Games in Shanghai, China. In 2008 Bank of America pledged to continue its support for the movement by once again providing funding for Special Olympics Team USA.
In 2007, the partnership with Special Olympics provided an engagement platform for Bank of America, not only at the national level, but also at the local level. Team Bank of America volunteers were on hand at various events, from the Team USA training camp at Nashville, Tennessee, to the main Team USA send-off celebration in Los Angeles, California, to cheer on the Special Olympics athletes that were preparing to take part in the 2007 World Games. Additionally, local Bank of America banking centers in markets ranging from Florida to Oregon took part in a variety of events celebrating the participation of local Special Olympics athletes in the 2007 World Games.
Bank of America also highlighted their support for Team USA athletes through a national satellite media tour that took place during the Team USA training camp. Special Olympics Global Ambassador Scott Hamilton, along with Special Olympics athletes, took part in the media tour to raise awareness for Team USA and the World Games.
Bank of America's support for the 2007 World Games was part of a joint philanthropic effort with China Construction Bank. In addition to the funding support for the Games, China Construction Bank launched a national cause marketing campaign encouraging its consumers to donate RMB 10 to the World Games. In return, the consumers received a free postcard featuring artwork designed by Special Olympics athletes. During the World Games, Bank of America and China Construction Bank executives presented the Games Organizing Committee with a check for RMB550,000 raised by the campaign.
Through the generosity of the Foundation, Team USA will be able to train and send approximately 328 athletes, 84 coaches and 50 support personnel to compete in the 2009 Special Olympics World Winter Games in Boise, Idaho. Bank of America volunteers will once again cheer on the athletes at the Team USA training camp, as well as at send-off receptions for Team USA athletes in various markets across the country.
Bank of America also is providing support for the 2009 World Games by becoming the Presenting Sponsor of the Founder’s Reception, held in honor of Special Olympics Founder Eunice Kennedy Shriver.