Bruins Beat
by Bob Morello
Bruins pledge $1 million to Special Olympics
The Boston Bruins Foundation will donate $1 million over the course of the next three years to Special Olympics Massachusetts as part of a new partnership between the Bruins Foundation and Special Olympics Massachusetts. This marks the largest donation by the Boston Bruins Foundation to date. CEO of Delaware North’s Boston Holdings Charlie Jacobs formally announced the partnership at TD Garden on Tuesday, August 28, at 1 p.m. President and CEO of Special Olympics Massachusetts Mary Beth McMahon accepted the check for $1 million from the Bruins.
The announcement and check presentation took place in front of the new Special Olympics exhibit at the Sports Museum, which had been installed to commemorate the 50th anniversary of the Special Olympics, which is being celebrated this year. Special Olympics athletes and select Boston Bruins players will be on hand to help celebrate this exciting new partnership.
Beyond the $1 million commitment, the Bruins Foundation and Special Olympics Massachusetts will join forces to involve Special Olympics athletes in a variety of initiatives to promote inclusion and overall health and wellness. The annual Boston Bruins Foundation golf tournament on Tuesday, September 4, will mark the start of the partnership. This year’s tournament will be highlighted by a ceremonial tee shot featuring a Special Olympics golfer and a member of the Boston Bruins.
Special Olympics athletes will also be in attendance on Opening Night on Monday, October 8, when the Boston Bruins take on the Ottawa Senators at TD Garden. The athletes in attendance will partake in an array of experiences such as bench assistants, high five lines, and ice resurfacer rides. The Bruins will continue to highlight Special Olympics athletes in game throughout the season.
In addition to highlighting and honoring Special Olympics athletes throughout the season, the Bruins and Special Olympics Massachusetts will work together to educate fans on the impressive work that Special Olympics Massachusetts is doing in the community, and most importantly, the incredible talent and determination demonstrated by the athletes.
Since its inception in 2003, the Boston Bruins Foundation has raised over $30 million. This past year, the Foundation donated over $3 million to over 150 nonprofit charities. Organizations receiving grants are aligned with the Foundation’s mission to enhance the quality of life for children in numerous capacities.
CAPTAINS PRACTICE SCHEDULE
The Boston Bruins have announced that captains’ practices at Warrior Ice Arena will be open to the media both today, Thursday, August 30, and Friday, August 31. Players participating are schedule to take the ice at 11 a.m. each day.