Summary:
Starkey has been named an official partner and exclusive hearing aid sponsor of the 2026 Special Olympics USA Games, supporting hearing health and inclusion for athletes of all abilities.

Key Takeaways:

  • Starkey will provide hearing services, resources, and technology through the Healthy Athletes Healthy Hearing program during the Games in Minneapolis, June 20–26, 2026.
  • The partnership builds on Starkey’s ongoing collaboration with Special Olympics since 2022 to expand access to hearing care for individuals with intellectual disabilities.
  • Starkey employees will volunteer through the Starkey Cares program, reinforcing the company’s mission to promote inclusion, equity, and community connection through hearing health.

Starkey is an official partner and the exclusive hearing aid sponsor of the 2026 Special Olympics USA Games taking place June 20–26, 2026, in Minneapolis, Minnesota. Since 2022, Starkey has worked with Special Olympics to increase access to hearing care for individuals with intellectual disabilities worldwide.

“Starkey has always championed the belief that hearing health is essential to overall health and quality of life,” says Brandon Sawalich, president and CEO at Starkey. “Partnering with the 2026 Special Olympics USA Games is a natural extension of our mission to serve communities and break down barriers to inclusion. Through this partnership, we’re proud to support the Healthy Athletes Healthy Hearing program by providing innovative hearing technology, while advancing the Special Olympics’ vision of empowerment, equity, and unity for athletes of all abilities.”

As part of the Games, Starkey will provide hearing health services and resources for athletes and coaches, ensuring that hearing wellness is celebrated and supported. Through Starkey Cares, the company’s corporate social responsibility program, Starkey employees will have the opportunity to volunteer and engage in key events to support athletes and showcase the power of hearing in connecting people to the world around them. 

“Starkey’s partnership with the 2026 Special Olympics USA Games is a testament to their commitment to creating a more inclusive and equitable world,” says Christy Sovereign, CEO, 2026 Special Olympics USA Games. “We are honored to have them join us on this journey to celebrate the power of human potential and inspire a nation.”

The 2026 Special Olympics USA Games will be one of the largest sporting events of the year in the U.S., bringing together thousands of athletes of all abilities, coaches, volunteers, and fans from all 50 states. 

To learn more about the 2026 Special Olympics USA Games, visit 2026specialolympicsusagames.org.

Featured image: Special Olympics USA athlete. Photo courtesy of Starkey