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Special Olympics Celebrates One Year Countdown to 2026 Special Olympics USA Games, Announces Three-Year BofA Grant and Platinum Partnership

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WASHINGTON, June 23, 2025 /PRNewswire-HISPANIC PR WIRE/ — Special Olympics International and Bank of America (BofA) announce a $5 million grant expanding programs that help empower athletes with intellectual and developmental disabilities (IDD) to serve as leaders in their communities, seek competitive employment, and realize their full potential. The three-year grant will support the infrastructure and growth of Special Olympics Athlete Leadership and Unified Leadership programming at the local, regional, national, and global levels, including expansion of the programming to Special Olympics’ Asia Pacific, Africa, and Latin America regions.

The funding will specifically enable Special Olympics to grow and scale the delivery of their workforce readiness trainings, Athlete Leadership programming, and Unified Leadership, a training co-developed and facilitated by people with IDD that is designed to develop inclusive mindsets to facilitate a more accepting and inclusive workplace for people of all abilities. To date, the training has been offered to more than 2,000 businesses, schools, and community organizations around the world.

“Bank of America’s support comes at a crucial time as we work to expand equitable access to leadership opportunities for Special Olympics athletes,” said Mary Davis, CEO of Special Olympics. “They recognize that Special Olympics athletes are among the most impactful voices for inclusion. Together, we are dedicated to ensuring that people with intellectual disabilities are meaningfully included in all conversations and have the platform to lead.”

Bank of America will also serve as a Platinum Partner of the 2026 Special Olympics USA Games (USA Games) which will take place next year June 20-26 in Minneapolis, Minnesota. As part of the partnership, Bank of America will sponsor the sport of golf at the USA Games, which brings more than 159 athletes and 40 caddies to the competition. This commitment builds on the bank’s Golf with Us initiative, launched earlier this spring to bring more people into the game of golf across the United States. In addition to an average of 10,000 employee volunteer and engagement hours provided annually focused on the disability community, this sponsorship gives the bank’s Minneapolis-area and surrounding market employees opportunities to volunteer and demonstrate their support for Special Olympics athletes, families and coaches. Minneapolis-St. Paul President Lucas Giambelluca serves on the 2026 Special Olympics USA Games host committee board of directors. 

“Partnering with Bank of America gives athletes like me, who are part of the Athlete Leadership Program, the chance to grow our leadership skills. Through the program, I’ve learned photography and gained confidence in public speaking,” said Charlotte Miller from Special Olympics Indiana. “I also enjoy teaching other athletes about Better Money Habits. I’ve been an instructor for over a year, and the training has helped Special Olympics athletes learn how to save and manage money more effectively. I’m thrilled to be attending my first Special Olympics USA Games, where I’ll be competing in golf and getting the chance to meet incredible people from all over the country.”

Bank of America’s decades-long support of Special Olympics is rooted in shared values and continues the company’s longstanding commitment to strengthening local communities and economic opportunities through philanthropic giving, workforce development, and volunteerism through thousands of employees around the globe. The company is committed to creating an environment where all teammates, including those with non-visible and visible disabilities, have an opportunity to succeed and achieve their goals.

“Sports have a unique ability to unite people, and for nearly 50 years, Bank of America has seen this through our partnership with Special Olympics as we work to advance their global movement grounded in fostering opportunity for people of all abilities,” said AJ Barkley, Head of Corporate Social Responsibility, Bank of America. “Our continued philanthropic investment and sponsorship of the 2026 USA Games underscores our commitment to empowering every individual to lead and thrive across the global communities we serve.”

BofA’s Support Services team, an in-house marketing and fulfillment operations team for over 30 years, is staffed with more than 300 employees with IDD. With more than 23,000 members and 30 chapters worldwide, the company’s Disability Action Network (DAN) connects employees to professional growth and development, holds information forums and fosters community involvement. Additionally, in partnership with Special Olympics and the National Disability Institute, Bank of America has created a series of Better Money Habits educational resources to help people with intellectual disabilities achieve financial independence.

Special Olympics

Founded in 1968, Special Olympics is a global movement to end discrimination against people with intellectual disabilities. We foster acceptance of all people through the power of sport and programming in education, health, and leadership. With over four million athletes and Unified Sports® partners and one million coaches and volunteers in 200 countries, Special Olympics delivers more than 30 Olympic-type sports and nearly 50,000 games and competitions every year. Engage with us on: X, Facebook, YouTube, Instagram, TikTok, and LinkedIn. Learn more at SpecialOlympics.org.

2026 Special Olympics USA Games

The 2026 Special Olympics USA Games—scheduled for June 20-26, 2026, across Minnesota’s Twin Cities—is a celebration of inclusivity, changing perceptions and the ability of the human spirit rising above limitations. The USA Games will be one of the biggest U.S. sporting events of the year, drawing tens of thousands of fans to celebrate the ability of over 3,000 incredible athletes from all 50 states as they compete in approximately 16 Olympic-type team and individual sports. As a state with a long history of championing diversity, equity and inclusion, the USA Games now bring an unrivaled opportunity for Minnesotans to spark new energy around the Special Olympics movement and create a lasting legacy of positive change. For more information visit 2026specialolympicsusagames.org.

Bank of America

Bank of America is one of the world’s leading financial institutions, serving individual consumers, small and middle-market businesses and large corporations with a full range of banking, investing, asset management and other financial and risk management products and services. The company provides unmatched convenience in the United States, serving approximately 69 million consumer and small business clients with approximately 3,700 retail financial centers, approximately 15,000 ATMs (automated teller machines) and award-winning digital banking with approximately 59 million verified digital users. Bank of America is a global leader in wealth management, corporate and investment banking and trading across a broad range of asset classes, serving corporations, governments, institutions and individuals around the world. Bank of America offers industry-leading support to approximately 4 million small business households through a suite of innovative, easy-to-use online products and services. The company serves clients through operations across the United States, its territories and more than 35 countries. Bank of America Corporation stock is listed on the New York Stock Exchange (NYSE: BAC).

For more Bank of America news, including dividend announcements and other important information, visit the Bank of America newsroom and register for news email alerts.

Reporters may contact:

Megan Gausemel Special Olympics International
Phone: 1.202.570.8628
[email protected]

Molly Gallatin, 2026 Special Olympics USA Games
Phone: 1.612-581-8856
[email protected]

Carla Molina, Bank of America
Phone: 1.512.397.2402
[email protected]

SOURCE Bank of America Corporation

Doctor Spoofing Calls The New York StateWide Senior Action Council’s “Medicare Fraud of the Month for June”

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ALBANY, N.Y., June 24, 2025 /PRNewswire-HISPANIC PR WIRE/ — The New York StateWide Senior Action Council (StateWide), a 53-year-old non-profit organization dedicated to serving the needs and well-being of our State’s approximately 2.5 million senior citizens today announced its Medicare Fraud of the Month for June: Doctor Spoofing Calls.

The StateWide Fraud of the Month is a component of the Senior Medicare Patrol (SMP), the definitive resource for New York State’s older adults and caregivers to detect, prevent, and report healthcare fraud, errors, and abuse. StateWide is New York’s grantee/administrator for this Federal Program.

“Scammers are getting sneakier. They can now manipulate your caller ID to make it look like your doctor’s office, Medicare, pharmacy or even a local hospital is calling. This trick is called “spoofing,” and it’s designed to gain Seniors’ trust and steal personal information,” explained Maria Alvarez, Executive Director of the New York StateWide Senior Action Council. “Don’t trust Caller ID, scammers can fake it, even a doctor’s phone number,” she added.

Scammers might say on a call:

  • This is your doctor’s office. Your doctor says you need a back brace, please confirm your Medicare number to proceed.
  • Your test results are ready, but we need your Social Security number to verify.
  • Medicare is updating your records — can you please confirm your details with a “YES or “NO.”
  • This is your pharmacy. We need your date of birth and insurance information to refill your prescription.

Seniors can protect themselves against such scams by doing the following:

  • If a spoofing call is suspected, hang up and call back using a number you trust — like the one on your doctor’s website or your Medicare card.
  • Don’t share personal information over the phone with unknown callers.
  • Do not respond to any questions, with “YES” or “NO.” Instead, hang up. Medicare will never call a recipient.
  • Check Medicare Summary Notices (MSNs) and Explanation of Benefits (EOBs) for suspicious claims like supplies or telehealth visits not received.

If contacted by a scammer or Medicare fraud is suspected, report it to the NYS Senior Medicare Patrol (SMP)! Call our Helpline at 800-333-4374.

“We have trained counselors to help educate Medicare beneficiaries in the fight against health care fraud. To report Medicare fraud, errors or abuse you can call our NYS Medicare Fraud Helpline at 800-333-4374 or visit www.nysenior.org,” Alvarez concluded.

StateWide also provides information and educational presentations, assistance regarding any Medicare questions, plan comparisons, appeals, billing issues and patients’ rights to all seniors throughout New York State.

It is estimated that Medicare fraud costs taxpayers over $60 billion dollars nationally per year. To help combat this illicit industry StateWide announced its Fraud of the Month program in 2022 to highlight these scams being perpetrated on the State’s seniors.

SOURCE New York StateWide Senior Action Council, Inc.

Weideman Group Names Ryan McCarthy as Partner

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SACRAMENTO, Calif., June 24, 2025 /PRNewswire-HISPANIC PR WIRE/ — Ryan McCarthy has been named partner at Weideman Group, California’s premier full-service lobbying and consulting firm.

“For more than six years, Ryan has led development of our leading climate and clean energy practice in Sacramento,” said firm principal Mark Weideman. “As one of California’s foremost experts and top lobbyists in energy and climate policy, he is a tremendous asset to our clients and the Capitol community. All of us at Weideman Group are proud to see Ryan named as partner.”

Since McCarthy joined the firm as Director of Climate and Clean Energy, Weideman Group has more than tripled its climate- and clean-energy client base and revenues, propelling the firm into the top ten among Sacramento lobby shops. McCarthy has built out the firm’s expertise by bringing in top climate and clean energy talent, including Meegen Murray, Katharine Eger and Sarah Brennan. 

“Ryan’s deep knowledge and connections help us continually and successfully navigate California’s complex legislative and regulatory environment. He thoroughly understands his clients’ needs and is always seeking out and identifying creative opportunities to advance our priorities and add value,” said Robert Barrosa, President and CEO of Electrify America.

In addition to his extensive lobbying background, Ryan brings more than 20 years of experience at the forefront of climate, clean energy and transportation policy development and implementation in California. From his time in academia, the legislature, regulatory agencies, and lobbying, McCarthy has designed, implemented and influenced much of California’s climate change and clean energy framework. Clients benefit from his deep knowledge and credibility on the issues in Sacramento.

Rich Hossfeld, co-CEO of SB Energy, said, “Ryan is universally respected and brings unparalleled professionalism, expertise and strategic insight. His depth and breadth of knowledge ensure that we never miss a beat. He has elevated our entire advocacy program and is, without question, one of the very best in Sacramento.”

Weideman Group has routinely been ranked as one of California’s top lobbying firms and is widely respected by policymakers throughout California. 

Contact: Bethany Heckman
(530) 520-4833
www.weidemangroup.com

SOURCE Weideman Group

Meijer Earns Its Highest Great Place to Work® Scores Ever

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Meijer is a Grand Rapids, Mich.-based retailer that operates 241 supercenters throughout Michigan, Ohio, Indiana, Illinois, Kentucky and Wisconsin. A privately-owned and family-operated company since 1934, Meijer pioneered the “one-stop shopping” concept and has evolved through the years to include expanded fresh produce and meat departments, as well as pharmacies, comprehensive apparel departments, pet departments, garden centers, toys and electronics.

GRAND RAPIDS, Mich., June 23, 2025 /PRNewswire-HISPANIC PR WIRE/ — Family-owned Midwest retailer Meijer was named a Great Place to Work® for the seventh consecutive year, demonstrating its ongoing commitment to investing in its team members and ensuring they feel valued and appreciated.

Meijer is a Grand Rapids, Mich.-based retailer that operates 241 supercenters throughout Michigan, Ohio, Indiana, Illinois, Kentucky and Wisconsin. A privately-owned and family-operated company since 1934, Meijer pioneered the “one-stop shopping” concept and has evolved through the years to include expanded fresh produce and meat departments, as well as pharmacies, comprehensive apparel departments, pet departments, garden centers, toys and electronics.

Meijer achieved its highest survey score yet, particularly excelling in three areas: investing in communities, providing an environment where team members can be themselves, and ensuring team members feel valued and cared for by their leader.

The Great Place to Work® certification recognizes employers for creating an outstanding employee experience based on responses to The Trust Index Survey™, an organization-wide assessment of culture. This survey measures employee feedback across key dimensions of workplace culture, including credibility, fairness, respect, camaraderie and pride.

“Our team members are telling us that across the company we are creating a supportive environment that encourages learning and growth,” Meijer President & CEO Rick Keyes said. “This not only makes Meijer a Great Place to Work, but also helps cultivate a welcoming atmosphere for our customers to shop.”

Meijer encourages teams to foster a culture of gratitude through the company’s “mteam” program, an online platform where team members can recognize each other for contributions that make a difference, and leaders can recognize their team’s outstanding performance and everyday excellence. Along with appreciative notes, team members receive points through the program, which can be redeemed for extra pay or gift cards, merchandise, experiences, or donated to charity. In 2024, team members recognized their peers more than 4 million times. 

“We continue to push ourselves to find new ways to enhance our team member experience,” said Michelle Hall, Chief Human Resources Officer. “Our team members are core to our success, so we want to be sure they feel appreciated and valued. These results show that we are focusing on the right areas.”

Meijer team members are eligible to receive a variety of benefits, including weekly pay, team member discounts, and flexible scheduling. The retailer also invests in the success of its team members, offering free education, career advancement opportunities, paid parental leave, childcare discounts, access to multiple health insurance plan options, and the option for 401(k) retirement contributions.

Those interested in working at Meijer can view current open positions at jobs.meijer.com.

About Meijer: Meijer is a privately owned, family-operated retailer that serves customers at more than 500 supercenters, grocery stores, neighborhood markets, and express locations throughout the Midwest. As the pioneer of the one-stop shopping concept, more than 70,000 Meijer team members work hard to deliver a friendly, seamless in-store and online shopping experience featuring an assortment of fresh foods, high-quality apparel, household essentials, and health and wellness products and services. Meijer is consistently recognized as a Great Place to Work and annually donates at least 6 percent of its profit to strengthen its communities. Additional information on the company can be found by visiting newsroom.meijer.com. 

Logo – https://mma.prnewswire.com/media/773739/Meijer_Logo.jpg 

SOURCE Meijer

EBANX enables APLAZO’s BNPL payments for global e-commerce in Mexico

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POST_EBANX_2
  • The partnership with EBANX makes APLAZO available to global e-commerce for the first time; it also marks EBANX’s first BNPL solution in Mexico
  • The BNPL market in e-commerce in Mexico is expected to grow by 20% this year
  • Blending alternative payments and local cards can triple global companies’ reach in Mexico

CURITIBA, Brazil and MEXICO CITY, June 24, 2025 /PRNewswire-HISPANIC PR WIRE/ — EBANX, a global technology company specializing in payment services for emerging markets, and APLAZO, a Mexican fintech specializing in Buy Now, Pay Later (BNPL) solutions, announce a strategic alliance to strengthen the offering of flexible payments in Mexico. This collaboration enables international online merchants to offer their customers in Mexico accessible financing options tailored to their needs.

For the first time, APLAZO will be available for cross-border e-commerce purchases through EBANX’s payment platform. By combining alternative payments like APLAZO with local cards, global companies can reach over three times more Mexican consumers compared to relying solely on international acquirers, according to EBANX analysis. This allows merchants to target an additional customer base of 72 million people in the country, according to Payments and Commerce Market Intelligence (PCMI).

“Mexico is one of the most dynamic markets in Latin America, where e-commerce is expected to grow 25% annually until 2027, with digital payment adoption aligned with this growth,” says Eduardo de Abreu, VP of Product at EBANX, citing PCMI data. “Partnering with APLAZO will allow us to expand our local reach and offer our global clients an alternative that directly responds to the preferences of Mexican consumers,” adds Abreu.

The integration of EBANX and APLAZO solutions will allow merchants to offer a more flexible payment experience, potentially generating tangible benefits such as increased average ticket size, higher purchase frequency, reduced cart abandonment, and access to new market segments, all through a seamless and simple integration.

“Our mission at APLAZO is to provide access to credit in a fair, simple, and transparent manner. This partnership with EBANX reinforces our commitment to facilitating access to financing for millions of consumers in Mexico and accelerating the digitalization of commerce in the country,” says Alex Wieland, CRO and co-founder of APLAZO.

BNPL in Mexico

BNPL is gaining traction in e-commerce in Mexico: the payment method is expected to grow by 20% in online sales this year, according to data from PCMI, and continue accelerating at an annual rate of 16% through 2027.

This growth is being driven by strong adoption among younger generations. Data from APLAZO shows that 38% of millennials and 31% of Gen Z consumers in Mexico already use BNPL as a payment method.

Track record

APLAZO has secured over USD 100 million in equity financing and USD 75 million in debt financing since its launch in 2020. Its focus on fair and transparent financial solutions has been key to its rapid expansion in the Mexican market.

Meanwhile, EBANX has consolidated its presence in Mexico since 2015, facilitating local payments for global companies and connecting over 500 of the world’s largest digital companies with customers in 29 countries across Latin America, Africa, and Asia.

ABOUT EBANX
EBANX is the leading payments platform connecting global businesses to the world’s fastest-growing digital markets. Founded in 2012 in Brazil, EBANX was built with a mission to expand access to international digital commerce. Leveraging proprietary technology, deep market expertise, and robust infrastructure, EBANX enables global companies to offer hundreds of local payment methods across Latin America, Africa, and Asia. More than just payments, EBANX drives growth, enhances sales, and delivers seamless purchase experiences for businesses and end-users alike.

For further information, please visit:
Website: https://www.ebanx.com/en/
LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/company/ebanx

ABOUT APLAZO
APLAZO is the leading “buy now, pay later” (BNPL) payment platform in Mexico. Founded with the mission of empowering consumers through access to responsible, easy, and transparent financing in just 5 minutes, APLAZO enables users to shop online or in physical stores and pay in convenient and flexible biweekly installments no credit card required. Through advanced technology and strategic partnerships with merchants of all sizes, APLAZO drives credit inclusion across the country.

For further information, please visit:
Website: https://aplazo.mx/
LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/company/aplazo/

Photo – https://mma.prnewswire.com/media/2717413/POST_EBANX_2.jpg

SOURCE APLAZO

Arkay Beverages Announces Strategic Alliance with Mexico’s Largest Spirits Operator

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ARKAY ZERO PROOF SINCE 2011

MELBOURNE, Fla., June 23, 2025 /PRNewswire-HISPANIC PR WIRE/ — Arkay Beverages, the global pioneer in alcohol-free spirits, proudly announces that Licor Zone Mexico, the largest spirits producer and operator in Mexico, has signed a Memorandum of Understanding (MOU) to acquire a 10% equity stake in Arkay Beverages.

ARKAY ZERO PROOF SINCE 2011

This strategic partnership underscores Arkay’s unwavering commitment to transparency, integrity, and sustainable growth—principles that several major global spirits conglomerates have failed to uphold. In response, Arkay has made the deliberate decision to distance itself from these entities and instead align with forward-thinking partners who share its values and long-term vision.

With Arkay’s primary production facility located in Mexico, this alliance with Licor Zone Mexico is a natural and strategic fit. It strengthens Arkay’s operational foundation in the region while also providing the capital infusion needed to fuel global expansion.

The terms of the agreement remain unchanged: 10% equity for $150 million, based on a $1.5 billion valuation.

“This is more than a financial transaction,” said Reynald Vito Grattagliano, founder of Arkay Beverages. “It’s a partnership built on mutual trust, strategic alignment, and a shared mission to redefine the future of zero-proof spirits. Why look halfway across the world for a Japanese partner, when the right one is already under our feet?”

About Licor Zone Mexico
Licor Zone is Mexico’s largest spirits manufacturer, best known for its flagship brand Williamson 18, available in more than 18,267 liquor stores across the country. The company is a proud member of the Mexican Whisky Association and is based in Arandas, Jalisco—the heart of Mexico’s tequila-producing region.

[email protected] 

www.licorzone.com.mx 

About Arkay Beverages
Founded in 2011, Arkay Beverages is the world leader in alcohol-free spirits and zero-proof alternatives. With millions of bottles sold across five continents, Arkay continues to reshape the beverage industry by offering sophisticated, alcohol-free experiences for health-conscious and mindful consumers.

www.arkaybeverages.com

Media Contact
[email protected]

LICOR ZONE LOGO

 

ARKAY SINCE 2011

Photo – https://mma.prnewswire.com/media/2716132/ARKAY_GROUP_PIC.jpg
Logo – https://mma.prnewswire.com/media/2716133/Licor_Zone.jpg
Logo – https://mma.prnewswire.com/media/2705108/Arkay_Logo.jpg