Pro Football Hall of Famer Peyton Manning Returns as Honorary Chair for 2026 Special Olympics Airlift, Rallying Pilots to Lift Champions to New Heights

Pro Football Hall of Famer and philanthropist Peyton Manning will once again serve as Honorary Chair for the 2026 Special Olympics Airlift, organized by Textron Aviation Inc., a Textron Inc. (NYSE: TXT) company, inspiring Cessna, Beechcraft and Hawker owners and operators across the nation to volunteer their aircraft and time. This monumental mission will transport hundreds of Special Olympics athletes and coaches to the 2026 Special Olympics USA Games in Minnesota’s Twin Cities, ensuring every champion arrives ready to compete—regardless of financial or logistical barriers.

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Pro Football Hall of Famer and philanthropist Peyton Manning will once again serve as Honorary Chair for the 2026 Special Olympics Airlift, organized by Textron Aviation Inc., a Textron Inc. (NYSE: TXT) company, inspiring Cessna, Beechcraft and Hawker owners and operators across the nation to volunteer their aircraft and time.

The Special Olympics Airlift mobilizes hundreds of volunteer Cessna, Beechcraft and Hawker pilots and aircraft to provide a once-in-a-lifetime VIP experience for Special Olympics athletes. The Airlift will transport hundreds of athletes and coaches across the country to and from the 2026 Special Olympics USA Games in Minnesota’s Twin Cities.

“I’m honored to once again serve as the Honorary Chair for the Special Olympics Airlift,” said Manning. “This event is about more than just transportation – it’s about lifting spirits and celebrating the incredible determination of these athletes. I’m proud to support this mission and encourage Cessna, Beechcraft and Hawker aircraft owners across the country to join us in making a difference.”

Since its inception in 1987, the Special Olympics Airlift has transported more than 10,000 athletes to the USA Games, thanks to the generosity of Textron Aviation customers. Known as the world’s largest peacetime airlift, the event exemplifies the power of aviation and community coming together for a greater cause.

“Peyton Manning’s return as Honorary Chair brings powerful momentum to the Special Olympics Airlift, helping amplify awareness and drive participation among aircraft owners nationwide,” said Ron Draper, president and CEO, Textron Aviation. “His leadership helps elevate the mission and ensures more athletes experience the joy and dignity of arriving at the Games like true champions.”