Winter Garden TD Bank hosts Special Olympics athletes

Winter Garden TD Bank customers got to meet and mingle with local Special Olympics Athletes Friday, June 8.

Each year, TD Bank partners with the Special Olympics to raise money and promote the sporting events. The partnership has been ongoing for about 10 years, said Winter Garden TD Bank Store Manager Sabrina Mootoo.

“TD Bank has raised almost $1 million each year that they’ve done this,” Mootoo said. “The goal is to raise at least $1,000 per store. And then collectively — throughout our footprint — it’s a $1 million donation that we (raise).”

Those who make a donation are given Special Olympics bracelets. Some also receive collectible Special Olympics athlete trading cards, Mootoo said.

“If a customer donates at least $5, they get the bracelet and … the trading cards,” Mootoo said. “The athlete trading cards (are) available on selected Saturdays at designated stores.” 

Four local athletes greeted customers at the door as they walked into the bank. Calvin Sanders has been competing in the Special Olympics for a number of years. Sanders competes — and has earned numerous medals — in swimming, bowling and other sports at the Special Olympics, his father, Brian Sanders, said.

“It was important to us to get Calvin involved years ago to have him interact with other kids — whether they have special needs or not — and to get him out and keep him active and keep him a part of sports,” Brian Sanders said. “He may not make the high-school football team … but in the Special Olympics, he’s on the team, and he’s actually competing.”