As the 2026 Special Olympics USA Games approach, Pentair Pool is highlighting the people-powered support that helps athletes and families feel welcomed long before competition begins.
The Games, expected to bring together 3,000 athletes, 1,500 coaches, 10,000 volunteers and 75,000 fans in Minnesota, will be one of the largest sporting events of 2026. As the Official Swimming Sponsor, Pentair Pool is supporting the event through volunteerism, fundraising and community participation, with a particular focus on the swimming venue.
Pentair Pool expects to help fill up to 400 volunteer slots during Special Olympics week, contributing an estimated 2,000 volunteer hours at the swimming venue alone. That includes 600 hours from interns and 1,200 hours from employees. Based on the Games’ estimated 10,000 volunteers, Pentair volunteers could represent at least 4% of the overall volunteer base.
The company is also helping make participation easier for employees by offering shuttle transportation from Pentair headquarters to the venue and providing eight additional hours of volunteer time off for employees volunteering at the Games, doubling their standard allotment.
“Pentair Pool is proud to be the Official Swimming Sponsor of the Special Olympics USA Games,” says Greg Claffey, SVP and president of Pentair Pool. “Our commitment goes well beyond financial support. The opportunity to bring our employees and athletes together at the pool, the place we wake up every day to support memorable experiences at, is really a full circle moment.”
Pentair’s support also extends to fundraising. Pentair Pool recently raised more than $80,000 through Special Olympics Polar Plunges held in Florida, Minnesota and North Carolina, with nearly 80 Pentair executives, employees and family members participating. Funds raised are helping support local Special Olympics delegations traveling to Minneapolis for the 2026 USA Games.
Across the swimming competition, 206 athletes are anticipated to participate in 17 swimming events, including 25- to 500-yard races, 4x25 and 4x50 relays, freestyle, backstroke, breaststroke, butterfly and medley events.
“Across the company, employees, families, customers and partners are contributing through volunteerism, fundraising and community engagement to help create an unforgettable experience for the athletes,” Claffey says. “We believe experiences around water should be safe, enjoyable and more accessible for everyone, and supporting the Special Olympics is a meaningful way to help reinforce those values.”
Pentair’s involvement reflects a broader community effort behind the Games, where access, volunteer support and participation help shape a more inclusive competition experience for athletes and their families.
“It also reflects the culture we are continuing to build at Pentair — one that encourages people to show up, give back and make an impact beyond their day-to-day work,” Claffey says. “We look forward to cheering on the champions and engaging with the greater Special Olympics community as a part of Fan Fest.”
