EDEN PRAIRIE, MINNESOTA – Starkey will serve as an Official Partner and the exclusive hearing aid sponsor of the 2026 Special Olympics USA Games, scheduled for June 20–26, 2026, in Minneapolis, Minnesota. Since 2022, Starkey has collaborated with Special Olympics to expand 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. 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.”
–Brandon Sawalich, President and CEO at Starkey
During the Games, Starkey will provide hearing health services and resources for athletes and coaches. Through Starkey Cares, the company’s corporate social responsibility program, employees will also have opportunities to volunteer and support key events, highlighting the role 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,” said 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 U.S. sporting events of the year, bringing together thousands of athletes of all abilities, along with coaches, volunteers, and fans from across all 50 states. More information is available at 2026specialolympicsusagames.org.
About Starkey
Starkey is a privately held, global hearing technology company headquartered in Eden Prairie, Minnesota. Founded by Bill Austin in 1967, Starkey is known for its innovative design, development and distribution of comprehensive digital hearing systems. Led today by President and CEO Brandon Sawalich, Starkey is the only American-owned provider of hearing technologies. The company has more than 5,000 employees, operates 29 facilities and does business in more than 100 markets worldwide.
Source: Starkey
