Schwan’s teams across the country celebrate partnership with 2026 Special Olympics USA Games

Nov. 14, 2024 — There are endless possibilities of what can happen “when awesome meets extraordinary.” That’s what thousands of our team members from across the U.S. recently discovered as they gathered to learn about Schwan’s Company’s role as a platinum sponsor in the 2026 Special Olympics USA Games and how they can start supporting this inspiring organization and its athletes today.   

From our distribution center in Suwanee, Georgia, and production facilities in Houston, Texas, and Sidney, Ohio, to corporate offices in Marshall and Bloomington, Minnesota, team members everywhere came together to learn about the partnership and how they can become more involved.   

Events across the country included kick-off activities that included video messages from leaders, live-guest speakers such as Special Olympics USA athletes and representatives, personal stories from team members, a T-shirt giveaway featuring the Special Olympics USA and Red Baron® pizza logos (Red Baron is the official sponsor of the gymnastics events at the 2026 Special Olympics USA Games), written cards of encouragement for athletes and posters for team members to sign and cheer on athletes from their state.   

Getting involved  

“While the official games will not be here until 2026, the important thing we want team members to know is that they can start volunteering and making an impact with Special Olympics USA today,” said Theresa Zaske, our community relations manager. “This is the largest unified partnership our company has ever done and there are opportunities for each of us across the U.S. to get involved.”  

In early 2025, several team members in Bloomington, Minnesota, have already committed to jumping at the Polar Plunge, where Red Baron® pizza will be served for participants and spectators.  

There are also regional events all over the country for people to get involved. Opportunities include coaching, volunteering and even attending events to cheer and support the athletes.  Volunteering is the perfect way to start gaining experience and get ready for the 2026 Special Olympics USA Games, where the expectation is to fill at least 10,000 volunteer slots.   

About our partnership

In June, we proudly announced Schwan’s Company was an entering an official partnership with the 2026 Special Olympics USA Games set to be held in Minnesota from June-20-26, 2026.   

The Special Olympics USA Games focuses on improving the lives of people who have intellectual disabilities through their mission to celebrate ability, deliver the highest quality experiences for all that participate and leave a legacy of positive change in Minnesota and around the nation. The 2026 Special Olympics USA Games will mark one of the largest sporting events in the U.S. in that year, bringing together tens of thousands of fans to celebrate the ability of over 4,000 athletes from all 50 states. Athletes will compete in approximately 19 Olympic-type team and individual sports.

Red Baron pizza, which is the official sponsor of the gymnastics events will also be incorporated into our milestone events such as the Polar Plunge and promotional campaigns throughout the next two years.  

Celebrating our veterans

Nov. 11, 2024 — As we acknowledge Veterans Day, we would like to take a moment to recognize and celebrate the contributions of our veterans — both across our nation and right here within Schwan’s. The service, dedication and

Dan Brouse

sacrifices of our veterans have not only shaped their lives and the lives of their families but have also enhanced our organization and community.

We are immensely grateful to work alongside more than 170 veterans within our company, each bringing unique experiences and invaluable lessons from their service. This Veterans Day, we encourage everyone to take the opportunity to learn more about the diverse stories and backgrounds of our veterans. Understanding their journeys enriches our appreciation and integrates their history into the fabric of our daily interactions.

 

Here are just a few reflections from our veterans:

Heather Lincoln Lia

“Veterans Day is a day to remember those who have served, those who have been lost and those who are currently serving in the military. We have to remember all veterans are fighting different battles and having an employer who knows and assists in these different situations (is important). As an Army reservist, it can be difficult on the service member as well as the employer.

"Schwan’s was always willing to work with me and my military service. This made it a smooth transition for myself and my family.”

        - Heather Lincoln Lia, Army 2011-2024

Tony Myers

“Weeks after arriving at my home base, I was in an office processing paperwork and suddenly the door slammed.  It was loud and I noticed an older veteran jumped, startled from the sound. I laughed. A Sergeant raced over and chided me for laughing. You see the older man paid a price from his war-time service and it was at this moment that I gained insight to truly respect all the men and women who serve, who served and sacrificed for my freedom. Veterans Day, for me, is a reminder to honor those in this great nation who served.

"I’m honored to work at a company that remembers the importance of this holiday!”

        - Tony Myers, Air Force 1980-1984

“For me, there is no greater honor than that of being a United States Armed Forces

Dan Brouse

Veteran. On Veterans Day, we pay homage to all who have served to preserve our liberties and sustain our way of life. I am reminded, humbled and haunted by President Ronald Reagan’s words, ‘Veterans know better than anyone else the price of freedom, for they’ve suffered the scars of war. We can offer them no better tribute than to protect what they have won for us.’ I would like to believe that my service and sacrifice has, in some small way, made a difference for my children and grandchildren, my country and those service members who followed.

"As a veteran from a Veteran family, along with my Veteran wife and brothers, I typically celebrate by sharing a meal with other Veterans, reaching out to old ‘Battle Buddies’ or by participating in an event with The American Legion, Veterans of Foreign Wars or Wounded Warrior Project. This year, I will embark on a new journey by making the trek to Washington D.C. to participate in the National Veterans Parade. I will join the Jeep Community to represent Veterans as well as escort disabled veterans, who are unable to navigate the route for themselves.

"I would like to thank Schwan’s for allowing me the opportunity to bring my true self to work every day and for allowing me to take the time away to celebrate with other veterans, honor those who have served and preserve the tradition of Veterans Day.”

        - Dan Brouse, Army 1987-1999; 2010-2014

“For me, Veterans Day is a time to reflect on the opportunities my service provided

Jonathan Berg

me and to celebrate the Brothers and Sisters in Arms I met through the course of my career. I often mark the day by checking up on those I haven’t heard from in a while, cheering on their victories and commiserating their defeats.  

"Schwan’s has continued to let me grow as a leader in the organization. Allowing me to take on projects that rely heavily on the determination and ingenuity that I learned during my time in the service." 

        - Jonathan Berg, Army 2004-2013; 2017