Textron Aviation & U.S. Ski & Snowboard Team Up Through 2026 To Support Athletes
U.S. Ski & Snowboard announced a multi-year extension of Textron Aviation Inc.'s sponsorship, formalizing Textron Aviation as the organization's General Aviation Aircraft and Aviation Products Sponsor through 2026. As the manufacturer of Beechcraft and Cessna aircraft and producer of more than half of general aviation aircraft worldwide, Textron Aviation's support provides funding, education and aviation career opportunities for athletes.
"Textron Aviation's generous support has enabled over a dozen athletes to learn to fly in recent years," stated Sophie Goldschmidt, President and CEO of U.S. Ski & Snowboard. "We are thrilled to see their sponsorship extended, providing more of our athletes with assistance as they pursue their athletic goals and long-term career aspirations."
Since its inception, 14 U.S. Ski & Snowboard athletes have participated in the Take Flight Program to further their pilot training. Notable participants include 2023 World Champion and Stifel U.S. Freeski Team athlete Hanna Faulhaber, three-time Olympian and Stifel U.S. Alpine Ski Team athlete Jackie Wiles, and 2022 Olympic gold medalist and Stifel U.S. Freestyle Ski Team aerials athlete Justin Schoenefeld.
"We are thrilled to support athletes of all ages across the country, many of whom have already discovered the benefits of private aviation in reaching mountainous training destinations," said Christi Tannahill, senior vice president, Customer Experience. "We're proud to continue our support of U.S. Ski & Snowboard and look forward to watching their athletes soar to new heights on the slopes and in the air."
The extension of this sponsorship links two of the leading organizations in their respective fields and provides opportunities for athletes and the U.S. Ski & Snowboard organization as a whole. Textron Aviation will continue to support the U.S. Ski & Snowboard Foundation's New York Gold Medal Gala, the organization's most successful fundraising event, and the Gold Pass Program.