Boston ABC affiliate WCVB Channel 5 will partner with their local Special Olympics chapters to celebrate athletes with intellectual disabilities and raise funds to support inclusion, determination, and the power of sport.
In honor of the historic 130th running of the Boston Marathon, WCVB and Hearst Television’s New England stations will feature Special Olympics athletes, coaches, and families across on-air, digital, and social platforms leading up to the Boston Marathon and throughout Marathon Week. The collaboration will amplify the voices and stories of these athletes while promoting Special Olympics’ year-round sports training and competition programs.
“During this milestone 130th running of the Boston Marathon, we are honored to partner with Special Olympics Massachusetts to help shine a spotlight on athletes who inspire us every day by showing what’s possible when communities come together through sport,” said Andrew Vrees, WCVB President and General Manager. “This partnership reflects our commitment to sharing meaningful stories that resonate across New England while reinforcing the values that make the Boston Marathon such an empowering event in our community and around the world.”
WCVB’s partner chapter, Special Olympics Massachusetts (SOMA), is part of a global movement that uses the power of sport to foster acceptance, confidence, and community for individuals with intellectual disabilities. Serving millions of athletes worldwide, the organization embodies the same spirit of perseverance, resilience, and unity celebrated by the Boston Marathon. Through this shared mission, the Special Olympics Massachusetts Boston Marathon team—known as the #XtraMile Team brings together dedicated runners who raise vital funds to support athletes with intellectual disabilities, helping provide life-changing opportunities in sports and beyond.
“The Boston Marathon has become such an incredible event for rallying support, building awareness, and of course, raising critical funds to support Special Olympics Massachusetts’ athletes and mission,” said Mary Beth McMahon, President & CEO of Special Olympics Massachusetts. “When WCVB signed on to not only highlight the mission of Special Olympics, but bring runners to our fundraising team, we were ecstatic. As someone who grew up here and understands the importance of this race, I love what WCVB has done to further raise the profile of the Boston Marathon through their incredible storytelling and focus on the positive impact charities, like Special Olympics Massachusetts have on communities along the route.”
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