China Construction Bank and Bank of America Foundation announced that they will jointly support the 2007 Special Olympics World Summer Games scheduled for October 2-11, 2007 in Shanghai.
CCB will make a contribution to Special Olympics in exchange for sponsorship rights and benefits associated with the 2007 World Summer Games. Bank of America will also make an additional donation to Special Olympics to assist in funding the organization's mission. This joint commitment is the latest initiative in a strategic partnership between CCB and Bank of America that began in 2005.
This first joint partnership of a major event between CCB and Bank of America embodies the two companies' goals for social responsibility and community development.
"The reform and development of China Construction Bank rely on the support of the community and our customers," said CCB board of supervisors chairman Xie Duyang. "It is our mission to contribute back to society, shoulder social responsibilities and commit ourselves to programs that support education, culture, sports, arts and others."
In connection with its donation to Special Olympics, China Construction Bank will receive media and advertising spots, marketing and promotional rights, signage and pageantry, and VIP access and hospitality.
"Bank of America is proud to partner with China Construction Bank on China's first Special Olympics," said Kenneth D. Lewis, Bank of America chairman and chief executive officer.
The 2007 Special Olympics World Summer Games will unite the world through sports, celebrating the abilities and accomplishments of people with intellectual disabilities, form a new global vision of acceptance and embrace the diversity of all individuals' abilities worldwide. World Games will mark the first time the World Summer Games will be held in Asia, and only the second time they will be held outside the United States. In addition to some 7,000 athletes, Special Olympics expects the 2007 World Summer Games to draw 40,000 volunteers, 3,500 event officials and thousands of families, volunteers, spectators and journalists from every continent. Special Olympics athletes of all ability levels will compete in 23 different Olympic-type sports including aquatics, athletics, badminton, basketball, football, tennis and volleyball.
