Prent Corporation Named Dove 1 for 2026 Special Olympics Airlift, Leading the Charge in Championing Athletes’ Journeys
Textron Aviation Inc., a subsidiary of Textron Inc. has announced that Prent Corporation will hold the distinguished title of Dove 1 for the 2026 Special Olympics Airlift arrivals, symbolizing a landmark moment in the ongoing mission to support and celebrate athletes participating in the Special Olympics USA Games. This historic designation positions Prent Corporation as the very first aircraft to land at Holman Field Airport in downtown St. Paul on Friday, June 19, 2026, officially marking the commencement of the nation’s largest peacetime airlift dedicated to the transportation of athletes and coaches.
As Dove 1, Prent Corporation will serve as a pioneer, setting a precedent for hundreds of volunteer pilots and aircraft owners who will join the effort in the coming days. This recognition not only celebrates Prent’s leadership in aviation but also underscores a deep, ongoing commitment to providing Special Olympics athletes with a memorable and inspiring journey to the Games.
“By helping to kickstart this journey for the athletes, Prent is sending a powerful message that everyone deserves to be celebrated and supported,” said Ron Draper, President and CEO of Textron Aviation. “We are grateful for their leadership in making this an unforgettable moment for the athletes and their families.”
A Unique and Inspirational Mission
The Special Olympics Airlift, organized by Textron Aviation, represents one of the most remarkable volunteer-driven initiatives in aviation. It mobilizes aircraft owners and pilots of Cessna, Beechcraft, and Hawker planes from across the country to transport athletes and coaches to the U.S. National Games. The event, which began in 1987, has since transported more than 10,000 participants, creating a once-in-a-lifetime VIP experience that blends aviation, community service, and celebration.
Aircraft participants, known as Doves, volunteer their aircraft, crew, fuel, and time. During the Airlift, these Dove aircraft receive priority handling from the Federal Aviation Administration (FAA) throughout the National Airspace System, ensuring smooth and timely transport of athletes from locations nationwide. Each Dove call sign symbolizes the dedication and generosity of the individual or company supporting this extraordinary mission.
Prent Corporation: Championing Courage and Community
Joseph Pregont, CEO of Prent Corporation, expressed the company’s pride in being named Dove 1:
Supporting the Special Olympics air transport as Dove 1 is a true honor and privilege. These athletes embody courage, determination, and joy — and it’s inspiring to witness their journey to the Games and to be a part, even in a small way, of their adventure. As a family-owned company with roots in the community and a strong sense of purpose, we feel honored to play a role in supporting these remarkable individuals and their families. We hope our involvement inspires others to join this incredible mission and celebrate the spirit of unity and achievement.”
Prent Corporation’s participation not only highlights the company’s leadership within the aviation community but also demonstrates a broader commitment to societal engagement, inclusivity, and the empowerment of athletes with intellectual disabilities.
Joining the Mission
Textron Aviation invites aircraft owners and operators to join Prent Corporation in becoming Doves on Friday, June 19, 2026, and Saturday, June 27, 2026. This nationwide initiative continues to exemplify how aviation and community spirit can unite for a greater cause — delivering more than just transportation, but an unforgettable experience for athletes and their families. Interested participants can learn more and register at airlift.txtav.com.
About Textron Aviation
For more than 95 years, Textron Aviation Inc. has inspired the journey of flight, leveraging the combined expertise of its Beechcraft, Cessna, and Hawker brands to deliver high-performance aircraft across a wide range of missions — from business jets and turboprops to piston-engine aircraft and special mission solutions. Textron Aviation boasts a workforce responsible for producing over half of all general aviation aircraft worldwide, serving customers in more than 170 countries. With a reputation built on performance, reliability, and versatility, Textron Aviation continues to connect communities and inspire innovation in flight. For more information.
About Prent Corporation
Prent Corporation, headquartered in Janesville, Wisconsin, with additional facilities in Texas, Mexico, Costa Rica, Puerto Rico, Malaysia, Denmark, and China, is a global leader in the design and production of custom thermoformed packaging for the medical device industry. Known for its commitment to quality and innovation, Prent has been recognized with 16 WorldStar awards for medical packaging — an unprecedented achievement in the field. Guided by its family-owned values and community-centered ethos, Prent continues to set the standard for excellence in both manufacturing and corporate social responsibility.