EDEN PRAIRIE, Minn. (June 29, 2026) — Starkey concluded a landmark week at the 2026 Special Olympics USA Games, delivering hearing healthcare and advanced hearing technology to athletes from across the United States through the Special Olympics Healthy Athletes® Healthy Hearing program. As a Gold Sponsor and the Official Hearing Health Partner and exclusive hearing sponsor, Starkey mobilized more than 250 volunteers to help athletes access the care and technology they need to fully participate in competition and everyday life.
Throughout the Games, Starkey worked alongside Special Olympics Healthy Hearing clinicians and staff to provide hearing screenings, ear health services, hearing aid fittings, and follow-up support. These services help identify and address hearing loss, enabling athletes to better communicate with coaches, teammates, family members, and supporters both during competition and beyond.
Starkey served hundreds of athletes through the Healthy Hearing program, including providing hearing aids to all who needed them. For many participants, the care provided during the Games represented their first access to hearing healthcare, creating immediate and meaningful improvements in communication, confidence, and connection.
Among those impacted was Special Olympics Minnesota soccer athlete Kendra Busch. Fitted with Starkey's Omega AI hearing technology through the Healthy Hearing program, Busch went on to score Team Minnesota's first goal of the Games. Her experience highlights the transformative role hearing healthcare can play in helping athletes perform at their best, both on and off the field.
“Technology has its greatest purpose when it empowers people to live fuller, more connected lives. That is why this sponsorship matters,” said Brandon Sawalich, President and CEO of Starkey. “Through the Healthy Hearing program, we are delivering more than hearing healthcare—we are helping athletes build confidence, strengthen connections, and participate more fully in every aspect of life. We are proud to bring Starkey’s innovation to Special Olympics athletes and help create opportunities for them to reach their full potential.”
In addition to supporting athlete care, Starkey volunteers welcomed athletes and families at Activation Alley, created opportunities for connection and celebration, and helped deliver an exceptional Games experience. Collectively, Starkey team members dedicated thousands of volunteer hours throughout the week.
The 2026 USA Games represent the latest chapter in Starkey’s longstanding partnership with Special Olympics. For more than 15 years, Starkey has worked alongside the organization to advance hearing health, accessibility, and inclusion for athletes around the world.
“The determination, spirit, and resilience demonstrated by Special Olympics athletes inspire all of us,” added Sawalich. “We are honored to support these remarkable competitors and proud to partner with Special Olympics in helping more athletes experience the life-changing benefits of better hearing.”
About Starkey
Starkey is a leading global innovator in hearing technology and AI-powered hearing aids, headquartered in Eden Prairie, Minnesota. Since its founding by Bill Austin in 1967 and led today by Brandon Sawalich, Starkey has driven breakthroughs in unmatched sound clarity and machine learning and intelligent hearing technology. As the only American-owned hearing aid manufacturer, Starkey employs over 5,000 professionals across 29 facilities, delivering advanced hearing solutions to customers in 100+ markets worldwide. Explore our smart hearing devices and connected technologies at www.starkey.com.
