Textron Aviation launched a donation campaign for the 2026 Special Olympics Airlift, which provides athlete and coach travel to and from the Special Olympics USA Games scheduled from June 20 to 26 in Minnesota’s Twin Cities. Donations go directly to Special Olympics and support travel essentials, including comfort items for long travel days and operational support for the coast-to-coast effort.
“Support for the Special Olympics Airlift helps ensure athletes from across the country can arrive ready, welcomed, and celebrated as they begin an unforgettable Games experience,” said Greg Epperson, regional president and managing director of Special Olympics for North America.
Textron Aviation continues to seek volunteer pilots, aircraft owners, and operators to transport athletes to and from the games. The company encourages Cessna, Beechcraft, and Hawker owners to participate.
“This mission is built on generosity, and every contribution helps create a meaningful experience for these athletes,” said Textron Aviation president and CEO Ron Draper. “We invite our customers to join in orchestrating the world’s largest peacetime airlift.”
More than 100 volunteer owners and operators are donating aircraft, crew, fuel, and time for this year’s airlift. Some 10,000 athletes and coaches have been transported on donated aircraft since 1987. Omani and Jeanie Carson are flying the Dove 1 mission on June 27 to bring athletes home from St. Paul Downtown Airport (KSTP).