SEATTLE – The Seattle Storm has partnered with Bank of America to encourage inclusion and equality for all through the game of basketball. For the second straight year, Bank of America will present the Storm’s Special Olympics Night dedicated to recognizing the accomplishments of Special Olympics Washington athletes.
Prior to the team’s July 12 game at Alaska Airlines Arena, Special Olympics Washington athletes are invited to a private reception with Bank of America featuring a panel of 2019 World Games bronze medalists. Moderated by President and CEO of Special Olympics Washington Dave Lenox, “Victory Lap” will celebrate the achievements of these powerful athletes and allow them to share their stories from a firsthand perspective. In March, the Storm and Bank of America joined together to surprise these athletes with a sendoff party and press conference the night before they headed to the World Games in Abu Dhabi.
Following the reception, the 2019 World Games soccer and swimming bronze medalists will form a fan tunnel as the Storm players take the court. Halftime will feature a game played by the Puyallup Vikings Masters UNIFIED basketball team. Coached by Danny Fowler, the Vikings have played together for over a decade and have become one of the top teams in the Washington State Masters UNIFIED Division. Last year, the Vikings played at the State Tournament in Wenatchee, Wash., where they took second place.
UNIFIED Sports is an inclusive sports program that unites Special Olympics athletes (individuals with intellectual disabilities) and partners (individuals without intellectual disabilities) as teammates for training and competition. It was inspired by a simple principle: training together and playing together is a quick path to friendship and understanding.
Last year, Special Olympics USA Games ambassador Breanna Stewart joined forces with more than 4,000 athletes, coaches, volunteers and fans at the 2018 USA Games in Seattle. The Storm recognized over 50 USA Games Athletes and Ambassadors from various sports at halftime of Special Olympics USA Games Night presented by Bank of America. These athletes were joined in the arena by other Special Olympics Washington athletes who wanted to help celebrate their hard work and accomplishments.
The Storm will host a StormFit clinic on August 7 with Special Olympics Washington athletes. Storm fans can support Special Olympics Washington by participating in the 50/50 raffle at the game benefiting Special Olympics of King County.
Raise the trophy with the Storm with a Storm 360 Membership, package or group experience available online or by calling (206) 217-WNBA (9622). Single-game tickets are available at StormBasketball.com.
ABOUT BANK OF AMERICA ENVIRONMENT, SOCIAL AND GOVERNANCE
At Bank of America, we’re guided by a common purpose to help make financial lives better, through the power of every connection. We’re delivering on this through responsible growth with a focus on our environmental, social and governance (ESG) leadership. ESG is embedded across our eight lines of business and reflects how we help fuel the global economy, build trust and credibility, and represent a company that people want to work for, invest in and do business with. It’s demonstrated in the inclusive and supportive workplace we create for our employees, the responsible products and services we offer our clients, and the impact we make around the world in helping local economies thrive. An important part of this work is forming strong partnerships with nonprofits and advocacy groups, such as community, consumer and environmental organizations, to bring together our collective networks and expertise to achieve greater impact. Learn more at about.bankofamerica.com, and connect with us on Twitter at @BofA_News.
ABOUT THE SEATTLE STORM
The Seattle Storm is a three-time WNBA championship team committed to bringing a premium professional basketball and entertainment experience to a fan base rich in tradition and support. The organization places high value on community and building platforms to positively impact the overall entertainment, attraction and economy of the Puget Sound region. In addition, the Storm is dedicated to local youth development in the areas of fitness and wellness; with a special emphasis on inspiring leadership, motivation and the empowerment of girls and women. For more information or to purchase tickets, please visit StormBasketball.com.