Team Special Olympics Arkansas is preparing for an unforgettable journey to the 2026 Special Olympics USA Games as athletes, coaches, and unified partners travel aboard the nationwide Special Olympics Airlift coordinated by Textron Aviation Inc.
The 2026 Special Olympics Airlift will transport athletes from across the country to Minnesota’s Twin Cities aboard volunteer-operated Cessna, Beechcraft, and Hawker aircraft. The nationwide effort is recognized as the world’s largest peacetime airlift and will operate June 19 and June 27 through St. Paul Downtown Airport Holman Field in Minnesota.
Arkansas athletes joining Team Special Olympics Arkansas have spent years training to compete at the national level. The Arkansas delegation includes 90 members competing in 11 sports during the 2026 USA Games.
Special Olympics Arkansas athlete Karly Pratchard says traveling aboard the Special Olympics Airlift makes the experience even more meaningful.
“This is so cool, I have been telling all my friends and family that I am getting to travel to USA games in an extra special way,” Pratchard said. “I trained year-round for the opportunity to show off my powerlifting skills on the national stage. The volunteer pilots are making my dreams come true.”
Since 1987, volunteer pilots and aircraft owners participating in the Special Olympics Airlift have transported more than 10,000 athletes and coaches nationwide. Hundreds of pilots donate their aircraft, expertise, and time to help eliminate travel barriers for Special Olympics competitors.
The 2026 Special Olympics USA Games will be held June 19 through June 27 across Minnesota’s Twin Cities area with more than 3,000 athletes from all 50 states competing in 16 Olympic-style sports.
Special Olympics Arkansas serves more than 19,500 athletes statewide and works with more than 16,000 volunteers in communities across Arkansas through sports, health, education, and inclusion programs.
Textron Aviation has also launched a nationwide donation campaign to support travel and operational needs for athletes participating in the Airlift mission.
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