Finley’s teams up with Special Olympics and 2026 USA Games

By AI, Created 12:21 PM UTC, June 04, 2026, /AGP/ – Finley’s announced new partnerships with Special Olympics International and the 2026 Special Olympics USA Games to support athletes, inclusion and cause marketing tied to its mission. The pet treat brand will back the Minneapolis Games in June 2026 and use the multiyear deal to highlight Special Olympics athletes employed by the company.

Why it matters: - Finley’s is tying its brand to inclusion, athlete employment and community engagement through two high-profile Special Olympics partnerships. - The deals connect the pet food company’s mission to a major national sporting event expected to draw thousands of athletes and fans to Minnesota. - Finley’s says the partnerships align with its goal to elevate people, pets and the planet.

What happened: - Finley’s announced partnerships with Special Olympics International and the 2026 Special Olympics USA Games on June 4, 2026. - The company became a Silver Level Partner with Special Olympics International in a three-year agreement. - Finley’s also signed on as a Bronze Partner for the 2026 Special Olympics USA Games in Minneapolis, scheduled for June 20-26, 2026. - The University of Minnesota will serve as the primary host venue for the Games.

The details: - The Special Olympics International partnership will focus on athlete storytelling, employee engagement, volunteer opportunities, retailer programs and cause marketing campaigns. - Finley’s says the campaigns are designed to generate additional revenue for Special Olympics. - At the USA Games, Finley’s will host a “Furry Friend Zone” inside the Fan Zone. - The activation will feature trained therapy dogs for athletes, families, patrons and volunteers. - The Games are expected to bring together about 3,000 athletes from all 50 U.S. states. - Competitors will take part in 16 Olympic-type sports. - Finley’s ambassador Tasha Feigh will serve as athlete coach for Team Minnesota’s Bocce Ball Squad. - Feigh is also a member of the 2026 Special Olympics USA Games Athlete Advisory Council. - Feigh received the Outstanding Female Athlete Award in 2019 for her Special Olympics involvement and passion.

Between the lines: - The partnerships extend Finley’s broader business model, which blends pet nutrition with employment and disability inclusion. - Finley’s was founded by former special education teachers Kyle Gallus and Angie Gallus after they saw former students with disabilities struggle to find work. - What started as a classroom project making dog treats grew into a nationally distributed brand that still centers job training and paid work opportunities for people with disabilities. - Finley’s says it has provided job opportunities to 204 ambassadors since 2016, and 62 former ambassadors have moved on to higher-level jobs in other industries. - The company has also partnered with Chris Nikic, the first person with Down syndrome to complete an IRONMAN, and supports his 1% Better Foundation through a portion of sales. - Charlie Nelson, CEO of KLN Family Brands, said the partnerships are about meaningful employment, changing perceptions and strengthening communities. - Christy Sovereign, CEO of the 2026 Special Olympics USA Games, said the partnership will help build a lasting legacy of inclusion in Minnesota. - Dan Orzechowski, vice president of global strategic partnerships at Special Olympics International, said the organization values partners that make inclusion central to their mission.

What’s next: - Finley’s will activate its partnership around the 2026 USA Games in Minneapolis in June. - The company will use the Special Olympics International deal over the next three years for storytelling, volunteerism, retail support and fundraising-related campaigns. - Finley’s is also pointing customers to its new kibble and cans product lines and inviting pet owners to support its inclusion mission through purchases. - More information is available at Finley’s website.

The bottom line: - Finley’s is using Special Olympics partnerships to deepen its inclusion message while giving the company a visible role in one of Minnesota’s biggest sporting events.