Swimming Toward Opportunity

Pentair has long been a leader in the aquatic industry, providing innovative pool equipment and water solutions worldwide. But beyond its technical expertise, the company is making a significant impact through its partnership with Special Olympics, fostering inclusive communities and improving access to swimming for athletes with intellectual disabilities.

Pentair’s collaboration with Special Olympics began as an initiative to support water safety and swimming programs. As a company embedded in the aquatics sector, Pentair saw an opportunity to contribute resources and expertise to an organization dedicated to empowering athletes through sports. When the chance arose to become the official swimming sponsor for the 2026 Special Olympics USA Games, the decision was an easy one — especially since they’ll be held in Minnesota, where Pentair is headquartered. 

Kevin Quiring, chief development officer for the 2026 Special Olympics USA Games, says the partnership was a natural fit. “Pentair’s passion for safe and sustainable swimming programs focused on ensuring people enjoy water through activities, competitions and leisure aligned perfectly with the mission of the Games to empower athletes to champion their abilities in and outside of competitions, whether in the water or cheering on the sidelines.” He adds that Pentair CEO John Stauch was one of the first business leaders to answer the call to support the Games.

“As a pool company, we want to better the entire pool industry, and that includes the communities we live and work in,” says Jillian Swift, chief marketing officer for Pentair Pool. “Swimming and enjoying water both competitively and leisurely are so important, and Special Olympics touches all different types of sports and wellness, which fits who we are.”

The 2026 Games will bring more than 100,000 athletes, coaches and volunteers from all 50 states to Minnesota. Swimming remains one of the most popular events, with approximately 300 athletes expected to compete in the 25-yard pool at the University of Minnesota’s renowned Jean K. Freeman Aquatic Center.

Pentair’s partnership goes beyond sponsorship. The company is providing financial support, equipment donations and employee volunteers to enhance Special Olympics’ aquatics programs.

Quiring says industry partners like Pentair play a pivotal role in expanding adaptive and inclusive aquatics. “With increased funding and resources, we can enhance programs and raise awareness about the critical importance of inclusivity in sports,” he says. “The Games will showcase unified sporting events, where athletes with and without intellectual disabilities compete together, breaking down barriers and fostering unity.”

Pentair is embracing that vision by showing up in meaningful ways throughout the Games experience. “We get to be a part of the athlete village and the volunteer village — not just giving back to the Games and everything leading up to it but being there at the Games, supporting the athletes, supporting the volunteers and everyone who makes this event happen, which is a really fun part for us to participate in,” Swift says.

Beyond the excitement of competition, Pentair recognizes the importance of water safety education, particularly for Special Olympics athletes.

“At Pentair Pool, we value teaching children — and everyone of every ability — to swim or at least safely be around different bodies of water,” says Heather Morris, director of corporate communications. “Having the ability to impact a community that may be underserved in learning to swim is really important.”

To further its commitment, Pentair is working with its business resource group, Alliance for All Abilities, which focuses on inclusivity and supporting people with different abilities. This collaboration ensures the company’s efforts extend beyond a single event and create lasting change.

While the Games are a major milestone in Pentair’s partnership with Special Olympics, the company is also finding ways to support athletes in local communities.

“We know we can’t fly everybody to Minnesota for the 2026 USA Games, so we’re looking at ways to make this tangible for all our employees and supporting Special Olympics athletes in our other communities,” Morris says.

This effort has already taken shape. For example, Pentair invited a former Special Olympics athlete from North Carolina to speak at a sales team meeting. Many sales team members shared how motivating his speech was and how it reinforced the importance of their work.

Pentair is also encouraging employees to take a role in supporting Special Olympics through fundraising and volunteer activities. Recently, some Pentair employees participated in a polar plunge, raising over $15,000 for Special Olympics in just a few days.

“One of the reasons I love Special Olympics being our partner is it’s not just for the athletes — it’s for everyone,” Swift says. “It allows us to have volunteerism however that makes the most sense for our employees, whether physical volunteerism or through their pockets and giving.”

Looking ahead, Pentair aims to further its mission of helping people safely and sustainably enjoy water, and its partnership with Special Olympics plays a crucial role.

“This not only allows us to be a part of something bigger and greater but it allows us to think about the way we approach the industry, the products we produce and the way we think about innovation and how it truly impacts some of these communities that you don’t see every day,” Swift says. “It helps us become a better company holistically. These partnerships help elevate who we are, what we do, how we think and where we can contribute.”

Quiring hopes this partnership sends a lasting message to the broader aquatics and sports industries. “While most people think of Special Olympics as a sports mission, the athletics is just a means to an end,” he says. “Unified sports enable unified education. Unified education enables unified employment. The three combined can change perceptions, break down barriers and lift the entire community, socially and economically.”

Top left: Reina Curiel from the Dominican Republic after swimming the 50m Backstroke at the Special Olympics World Games Berlin 2023.

Top center: Trent Bethel from Trinidad and Tobago competes in the 800m Freestyle at the Special Olympics World Games Berlin 2023.

Top right: Runner Arthur Huizer, an officer from the Netherlands and Special Olympics USA athlete Lewis Fancher deliver the Torch at the Special Olympics World Games Berlin 2023.

Bottom: Opening ceremony for the Special Olympics World Games Berlin 2023.

All photos: ©Special Olympics World Games Berlin 2023 / Anna Spindelndreier