Boston Bruins Foundation, Special Olympics Join Forces

BOSTON - On the second level of TD Garden, tucked on the side of an upwards staircase near the Garden Pro Shop, is the brand-new Special Olympics exhibit. The display celebrates 50 years since the organization's founding in 1968 and was the backdrop on Tuesday to CEO of Delaware North's Boston Holdings Charlie Jacobs' announcement of a new partnership between the Boston Bruins Foundation and Special Olympics Massachusetts.
The Foundation pledges to donate $1 million to the Special Olympics over the next three years as part of an agreement that also includes promoting inclusion and overall health and wellness. This is the largest donation and philanthropic partnership by the Boston Bruins Foundation to any single charity to date.

"I've been with Special Olympics for 35 years," said Special Olympics Massachusetts CEO Mary Beth McMahon, "and to be able to see this partnership come, it's a dream come true - not only as a CEO but really as someone who's been involved as long as I have."

The partnership's slogan, "B-Inclusive," aims to promote a cohesive and accepting community, with initiatives and outreach events planned to highlight Special Olympic athletes in games and activations throughout the season.
"The B-Inclusive, I think, makes so much sense for both organizations," said Boston Bruins Foundation Executive Director Bob Sweeney. "To have a guy like John Dunleavey on our staff here and to see him compete and what he brings to our workforce every day is amazing, and I think B-Inclusive is a very fitting tagline."
Dunleavey, a Boston Bruins employee, attended today's event along with fellow athletes Beth Donahue, Sydney Meininger and Betame DeBono, and he commented that his favorite part of being involved with the Special Olympics is all the new friends he makes.
The annual Boston Bruins Foundation golf tournament next Tuesday will be the official kickoff of the partnership, with an opening tee shot by a Special Olympics golfer and Bruins player. Special Olympic athletes will also have roles and ceremonies dedicated to them during home games throughout the season.
"This seemed like a really great time to step up with them," said Jacobs. "We've got some Massachusetts athletes that actually work here at the Garden and participate in those games, so it's nice to have them here today. It's about inclusion. I also hope that our players identify with this."

Two Bruins players attended the ceremony, Tuukka Rask and Matt Grzelcyk, and Grzelcyk was happy to show his support for a cause he cares about. Grzelcyk worked extensively with Autism Speaks during his time at Boston University and had events with the Special Olympics there as well. His brother also works in special education in the Charlestown public-school system.
"It means a lot to have this partnership," said Grzelcyk. "Just having that interaction with the athletes and, you know, whenever we talk to them you can tell how dedicated they are to their sports. I know with the Bruins organization it means a lot to give back to the community and support the fans who always cheer us on. It's great to be a part of that, and I'm lucky to be a part of the organization."
The Special Olympics celebrates its 50th anniversary this year. It was founded in Hyannis and provides year-round athletic training and competition to athletes aged 2 to 97 with intellectual disabilities.
"To mark the 50th anniversary with a partnership that's unprecedented is just such a unique opportunity," said McMahon, "and for that I think I'll forever be grateful for the Boston Bruins to really put us on a platform with one of the best logos in the business. When you have two great logos come together it's a great partnership."
Photos from the event: