As Winter Games Begin, Some Athletes Have Support from Credit Unions

MILAN and CORTINA D’AMPEZZO, Italy–When the 2026 Winter Olympics formally begin today, several athletes will have sponsorship and support from credit unions around the world. One U.S. credit union is also sponsoring an athlete in the Paralympic Games.

American speedskater Cooper McLeod, a native of Mount Vernon, Wash., will be competing in long-track speedskating, specifically the 500-meter event and is being sponsored by Seattle-based BECU. McLeod, a former short-track speedskater, missed competing in the 2018 winter games by just .05 of a second. He won the World Cup title in 2024, and at the 2025 World Championships, he had a breakout season, placing 3rd in the 500-meter and 4th in the 1,000-meter race.

He was also part of the national record team for the men’s Team Sprint at the 2024 World Championships.

Started Skating When 10 Months Old

In a blog posting, BECU said McLeod started skating around the same age most children begin walking–10 months—when he started roller skating at Skagit Skate in Burlington, Wash., where he lived until he moved to nearby Kirkland at age 12. 

“I took a liking to it, and my parents just kept bringing me,” McLeod told BECU.

At 3 years old, McLeod joined an in-line speedskating team at a coach’s invitation, and moved to the ice at age 8, according to the blog post.

Speaking about the 2026 games, McLeod told BECU, “The feeling was electric, and even that may be an understatement. When I came around the final turn and started to pull away, I processed ‘my dreams are coming true, I’m going to the Olympics.'”

Advice on Finances

In his blog posts with BECU McLeod has shared advice on handling finances, and noted that in his own case he must replace or refurbish his boots and blades every two to four years, with boots running more than $3,000.

“I tend to figure out my absolute needs and requirements for life and sport, and then where I can afford to spend a bit more,” he said of his financial strategy. McLeod joined BECU when he was 22. 

“BECU has a proud history of developing partnerships and celebrating our members as they strive to attain their goals in life,” Jason Rudman, BECU’s executive vice president and chief member and digital experience officer, said in a statement. “We are excited to celebrate Cooper, one of Washington’s own and a BECU member, as he looks to represent the U.S. at the 2026 Winter Olympics.”

The long-track speedskating competition will run from Feb. 7-21 at the Milano Speedskating Stadium.

Visions FCU Sponsors Paralympian

Separately, Endwell, N.Y.-based Visions Federal Credit Union has been sponsoring para alpine skier Logan Knowles. The sponsorship helped to offset the athlete’s costs of equipment and training for Team USA as he has worked to qualify for the Winter Paralympic Games.

Knowles, who developed cerebral palsy at birth, is a professional para-athlete from Horseheads, N.Y. According to Visions FCU, after defying the expectations from doctors that he would never walk, Knowles began skiing when he was six years old and won his first gold medal in NASTAR, the National Standard Race, at the age of 15. In 2018, his first invitation to serve on Team USA was interrupted by a leg injury that required surgery and physical therapy. 

Since his recovery, Knowles has continued to train and compete while inspiring athletes and individuals with disabilities internationally, Visions FCU said.

“We are incredibly proud to partner with Logan, a true embodiment of determination and resilience,” Micah Mellander, Visions’ branding manager, said in a statement. “At Visions, we believe in supporting those who inspire others to reach their highest potential, and Logan’s journey as a Paralympic hopeful aligns perfectly with our values. We are excited to see him achieve his goals at the 2026 Winter Paralympics in Italy.”

Canadian, Irish CUs Back Winter Sports

Meanwhile, in Trail, B.C., the Kootenay Savings Community Foundation (KSCF) and Kootenay Savings Credit Union(KSCU) are part of a partnership with the Trail-Rossland 2026 BC Winter Games, which are scheduled for Feb. 26-March 1 in Trail and Rossland, B.C.

This commitment, valued at $25,000, designates KSCU as the Official Financial Institution of the Games. 

The BC Winter Games are held every two years, and this year marks the 33rd Games — and the third time they’ve been hosted in the Trail/Rossland area. 

In Ireland, Letterkenny Credit Union has sponsored Arlene Crossan for her Winter Training program as an Irish International Athlete. Ireland ius sending four people to the games, but Crossan is not among them.