Alexander Wennberg hosts Special Olympics Athletes at SAP Center, continuing Sharks commitment to inclusion

Community has always been at the heart of the San Jose Sharks organization, and this season Alex Wennberg is helping extend that impact in a meaningful way.

After attending the Special Olympics Floor Hockey game earlier this year, Wennberg was inspired by the athletes’ passion for the sport and the strong sense of camaraderie on display. The experience sparked an idea, to find a way to bring Special Olympics athletes into the Sharks game day environment.

Working alongside Team Teal, Wennberg launched a new initiative this season to host athletes from Special Olympics Northern California at SAP Center. Over the course of the season, 80 athletes and coaches\[KB1\]  will be welcomed to Sharks games and hosted in a private suite, giving them the opportunity to experience the energy of a Sharks game together.

Each suite night offers athletes the chance to gather with teammates, enjoy the game from a unique vantage point, and celebrate their shared love of hockey. Wennberg also spends time meeting with the athletes following the game, connecting with them and thanking them for the inspiration they bring to the sport.

The initiative reflects both Wennberg’s personal commitment to community engagement and the Sharks’ longstanding relationship with Special Olympics Northern California. For years, the organizations have partnered on programs and events that promote inclusion and expand access to sport for athletes of all abilities.

By welcoming Special Olympics athletes to SAP Center throughout the season, Wennberg is helping create moments that bring the hockey community together, reinforcing the idea that the game has the power to unite both on and off the ice.