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New Report Sheds Light on Urgent Health Disparities for People with IDD in Washington
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By Rion Haber - February 13, 2017
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ABOUT THE CONTRIBUTOR

Rion Haber

Follow Us

specialolympicswashington

Special Olympics Washington BUILDS communities and LEADS in Wellness through Sports and Inclusion.

"I started Special Olympics in 2002, doing track a "I started Special Olympics in 2002, doing track and field. Since then, I have joined numerous sports such as bowling, basketball, soccer, and softball. Special Olympics has not only become a second home but has helped me grow into an athlete that most people will say, 'He is one of the most respected athletes ever'". - John Bizub.
 
Got a favorite Special Olympics Washington moment? Let's celebrate 50 years together—drop your memories, photos, and cheers on our 50th Anniversary Kudoboard!
 
Share your favorite memory by using the link in bio! 

#SOWA50 #50thAnniversary #FavoriteSOWAMemories
We’re celebrating 50 years of inclusion—and yo We’re celebrating 50 years of inclusion—and you’re invited.

Save the date for the 2025 Gold Gala on October 3 at the Hyatt Regency Seattle as we honor the athletes, partners, and moments that have shaped five decades of impact.

Learn more using the link in bio.

#SOWA50 #GoldGala #50YearsOfInclusion
Big smiles, meaningful conversations, and life-cha Big smiles, meaningful conversations, and life-changing care.

Our Healthy Athletes volunteers showed up with passion and purpose—bringing wellness, connection, and joy to every moment.

#OpeningEyes #InclusiveHealth #SpecialOlympicsWA #HealthyAthletes
These legends show up every single day for inclusi These legends show up every single day for inclusion, connection, and kindness. 

Let’s give a HUGE shoutout to some of our all-stars: Andrea, Sam, Selina, Mandy, Molly, Mark, Stephanie, Charis, Jennifer F., Cami, Charlotte, Juliet, Jennifer H., Jamie, Jennifer D., Chris, Sehaj (Dance Artist!), Nancy & Becky, Erin, Ryan, Angela, Nathan, Dennis, Dan, Laura and Krista. 

Thank you for being true champions of Unified schools! 

#SpecialOlympicsWA #UCS #InclusionLeaders
We’re taking over the @SeattleStorm game! Join S We’re taking over the @SeattleStorm game! Join Special Olympics Washington at Climate Pledge Arena on August 13 for a night full of inclusion, community, and game-time magic. 

Tickets are FREE and first come, first serve – reserve yours now using the link in bio!

#SOWATakeover #SeattleStorm #InclusionMatters
"The Special Olympics Washington Spring Games in 2 "The Special Olympics Washington Spring Games in 2024 was a great opportunity to meet so many wonderful athletes! We loved sharing information about the Washington State ABLE Savings Plan and the Developmental Disabilities Endowment Trust Fund (DDETF)". -Katie and Dylan.

50 years of courage. 50 years of community. Help us honor this incredible milestone by sharing your favorite Special Olympics Washington memories on our Anniversary Kudoboard using the link in bio. 

#SOWA50 #50thAnniversary #FavoriteSOWAMemories
We raised the flag! To celebrate 50 years of inc We raised the flag! 

To celebrate 50 years of inclusion, courage, and community, the Special Olympics Washington flag flew high above the Seattle skyline, proudly waiving from the top of the @SpaceNeedle. 

To our athletes, families, partners, and supporters: thank you for continuing to show up and stand tall with us. This flag flies for all of you.

Some of our VIP attendees including Angela Martin and Candace Madison, Special Olympics Washington Athletes; Kasey Keller (@KaseyKeller_18), Former Goalkeeper of the @SoundersFC; AlishaValavanis, CEO of the @SeattleStorm; Erika Tucci, Executive Director of the @BenBCheneyFoundation; Ethan Stowell (@ChefEthanStowell), American chef and restaurateur; Seattle Seahawks legend @Lofa_Tatupu; Mario Bailey (@riodb5), VP of Community Engagement at the Seattle @Seahawks; Sara Osborne, Senior Director of Public & Government Affairs from @Safeway; @ScottMercer, VP of Global Supply Chain at @TheBoeingCompany; @BobBenoit, Chief Information Officer at @GatesFoundation and Mary Do, CEO of @SpecialOlympicsWashington.

Let's keep the celebration going - get involved using the link in bio.

Special thank you to the Space Needle for their support in honoring Special Olympics Washington and our athletes. 

#SOWA #SpecialOlympicsWA #50YearsOfInclusion #Seattle
Sabrina Herr may be new to Special Olympics Washin Sabrina Herr may be new to Special Olympics Washington, but in just six months, she’s already making great memories.

She joined for fun, and what she found was even better — new friends, exciting competition, and the thrill of winning her very first gold medal. Sabrina competes with the Thunderfish team and brings great energy to every event.

To all the volunteers, coaches, and supporters, Sabrina simply says, “Thank you for all you do for us.”

We’re so glad you’re here, Sabrina — and we can’t wait to see what you achieve next!

#SOWA50 #50thAnniversary
A symbol of inclusion will rise above the Seattle A symbol of inclusion will rise above the Seattle skyline tomorrow. Stay tuned and follow @specialolympicswashington for live updates.

Any guesses?

#SpecialOlympics #SpecialOlympicsWA #50thAnniversary
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New Report Sheds Light on Urgent Health Disparities for People with IDD in Washington

A View from the Top: Celebrating 50 Years of Inclusion at the Space Needle

2026 USA Games: Meet the Athletes Representing Washington

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