(Story and photos courtesy Textron E-Z-GO)
Textron E-Z-GO LLC is a sponsor of 2026 Special Olympics Airlift.
This nationwide mission, organized by Textron Aviation, will give athletes a once-in-a-lifetime VIP experience as they travel on Cessna, Beechcraft and Hawker aircraft to the 2026 Special Olympics Games, removing financial and logistical barriers so they can focus on competition and celebration.
The 2026 Special Olympics USA Game are scheduled for June 19-27, 2026, across Minnesota’s Twin Cities with sports competitions at the University of Minnesota and the National Sports Center in Blaine. It is a national celebration of inclusivity, changing perceptions and the ability of the human spirit rising above limitations
To make it happen, E-Z-GO is providing more than 40 vehicles to move Special Olympics athletes, their families, volunteers, and other personnel, luggage and materials around St. Paul Downtown Airport Holman Field (KSTP) in Minnesota, as athletes travel to the Twin Cities to compete in this year’s competition. The company will provide models including the E-Z-GO RXV 2+2, four- and six-passenger Cushman Shuttle personnel carriers, and a Cushman Refresher Oasis food-and-beverage vehicle.
“E-Z-GO is honored to help hundreds of deserving athletes travel to and from the 2026 Special Olympics USA Games, so that they can enjoy the hard-won opportunity to show their talents and shine in competition,” said Adam Harris, Senior Vice President and General Manager, E-Z-GO.
The Special Olympics Airlift – the worlds largest peacetime airlift – demonstrates the power of industry collaboration, uniting organizations, companies and volunteers around a shared mission that extends beyond business: transporting Special Olympics athletes and coaches to and from the 2026 Special Olympics USA Games. Now in its ninth iteration, the Special Olympics Airlift will operate Friday, June 19 and Saturday, June 27. During the airlift, aircraft will land or depart every three minutes, to ensure athletes nationwide can participate in the USA Games, eliminating travel barriers and reflecting aviation’s power to unite communities.
Since 1987, volunteer pilots and aircraft owners have transported more than 10,000 athletes and coaches through the Special Olympics Airlift. Each event has grown in scale and impact, fueled by hundreds of volunteers who donate their time, aircraft and expertise to support Special Olympics athletes.
To help enhance the travel experience for athletes, Textron Aviation has launched a nationwide donation campaign supporting Special Olympics. Contributions go directly to Special Olympics to supply travel essentials and provide operational support for the coast-to-coast mission. Support athletes on their journey to the USA Games by visiting airlift.txtav.com.
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