Visit the Homepage for Special Olympics Washington Website
Donate
  1. Athlete Hotline
  2. Shop
  1. Participate
  2. Events
  3. Sports
  4. LETR
  5. Volunteer
  6. About
  1. Athlete Hotline
  2. Shop
  1. I'd like to
  2. become an athlete
  3. become a Unified partner
  4. become a volunteer
  5. become a coach
  6. find a local community
  7. make a donation
  8. connect to initiatives
  9. learn about health initiatives
  1. Become an Athlete
  2. Unified Champion Schools
  3. SO College
  4. Sports Results
  5. East Region Sports
  6. Southwest Region Sports
  7. Northwest Region Sports
  1. Alpine
  2. Athletics
  3. Basketball
  4. Bocce
  5. Bowling
  6. Cheerleading
  7. Cross Country Skiing
  8. Cycling
  1. Figure Skating
  2. Flag Football
  3. Golf
  4. Men's Artistic Gymnastics
  5. Powerlifting
  6. Snowboarding
  7. Snowshoeing
  8. Soccer
  1. Softball
  2. Speedskating
  3. Stand Up Paddle Boarding
  4. Swimming
  5. Team Washington
  6. Tennis
  7. Volleyball
  8. Women's Artistic Gymnastics
  9. Unified Sports
  10. Young Athletes
  1. Law Enforcement Torch Run Campaign
  2. Signature Events
  3. Press Room
  4. Torch Run
  5. Contact
  6. LETR Resources
  1. Events Calendar
  2. Find a local community
  1. About
  2. Blog
  3. Contact
Back
I'd like to
  1. become an athlete
  2. become a Unified partner
  3. become a volunteer
  4. become a coach
  5. find a local community
  6. make a donation
  7. connect to initiatives
  8. learn about health initiatives
Volunteer with Us
Learn More
  1. Alpine
  2. Athletics
  3. Basketball
  4. Bocce
  5. Bowling
  6. Cheerleading
  7. Cross Country Skiing
  8. Cycling
  1. Figure Skating
  2. Flag Football
  3. Golf
  4. Men's Artistic Gymnastics
  5. Powerlifting
  6. Snowboarding
  7. Snowshoeing
  8. Soccer
  1. Softball
  2. Speedskating
  3. Stand Up Paddle Boarding
  4. Swimming
  5. Team Washington
  6. Tennis
  7. Volleyball
  8. Women's Artistic Gymnastics
  9. Unified Sports
  10. Young Athletes
  1. Become an Athlete
  2. Unified Champion Schools
  3. SO College
  4. Sports Results
  5. East Region Sports
  6. Southwest Region Sports
  7. Northwest Region Sports
  1. Law Enforcement Torch Run Campaign
  2. Signature Events
  3. Press Room
  4. Torch Run
  5. Contact
  6. LETR Resources
LETR Final Leg
Learn More
  1. Events Calendar
  2. Find a local community
Event
Calendar
View Calendar
  1. About
  2. Blog
  3. Contact
Help Us Celebrate 50 Years by Sharing Your Story
View Latest Post
20190303-0002
By Jaymelina Esmele - February 16, 2023
  • 85 views
  • Listen to this article Pause the Article Resume the Article

ABOUT THE CONTRIBUTOR

Jaymelina Esmele

Follow Us

specialolympicswashington

Special Olympics Washington BUILDS communities and LEADS in Wellness through Sports and Inclusion.
As part of our 50th Anniversary celebration, we’ As part of our 50th Anniversary celebration, we’re sharing 50 stories from across Washington that show how Special Olympics changes lives—one athlete at a time. Kaylynn Palmer joined Special Olympics Washington five years ago to get more active, relieve stress, and simply have fun. Since then, she’s become a proud member of Twin Rivers, made new friends, built confidence, and discovered she’s pretty great at a few sports too. Her favorite moment? Winning her first gold medal—a memory that reminded her just how far she’s come. “Special Olympics helped me realize I’m really good at some sports,” she says. “I love sports, and I’m gonna keep playing until I can’t no more.” Help support athletes like Kaylynn by giving $50 to build the next 50 years of opportunity, friendship, and pride using the link in bio. #SpecialOlympicsWA #50thAnniversary #50StoriesFor50Years
🏀 On June 21, @RiseAboveInc will proudly take t 🏀 On June 21, @RiseAboveInc will proudly take the court to lead the basketball portion of the Inclusive Indigenous Games Showcase - a celebration of resilience, culture, and unity through sport. 🕙 10:00 AM – 1:00 PM | University of Puget Sound This is more than a game. It's a powerful reminder that sport can be a bridge - connecting generations, honoring Indigenous voices, and uplifting every athlete who dreams of being seen, heard, and included. The first 100 registrants will receive a free t-shirt + bonus item! Register using the link in bio! #RiseUp #InclusiveIndigenousGames #SpecialOlympicsWA
Every year, our incredible volunteers help bring t Every year, our incredible volunteers help bring the State Spring Games to life. From setting up competitions and to providing critical support — your time and heart make all the difference. 💪❤️ Medical volunteers are needed to assist with first aid and Healthy Athletes screenings Event volunteers are needed to support competitions in athletics, soccer, softball, swimming, golf, and bocce, plus a variety of non-competition roles 📆 Don’t wait — volunteer spots fill up quickly! 👉 Register using the link in our bio. Have questions? We’re here to help: volunteer@sowa.org Let’s make the 2025 State Spring Games the best yet! 🎉 #Volunteer #SpecialOlympicsWA #2025StateSpringGames
To celebrate 50 years of Special Olympics Washingt To celebrate 50 years of Special Olympics Washington, we’re sharing 50 athlete stories that show the power of perseverance, inclusion, and joy—leading up to the State Spring Games. Rebekah Jensen has been competing with Special Olympics Washington for 27 years—and she’s just getting started. A proud athlete from South Kitsap, Rebekah has competed in nine different sports across five Winter Games, six Summer Games, and an incredible 21 State Spring Games. Since 1999, she’s earned 240 medals, including three at the 2018 USA Games. One of her proudest moments came in 2007 when she threw 9.69 meters in shot put at State Games, earning gold. “I never got more than 8 before that,” she shared. Special Olympics has helped Rebekah stay healthy, motivated, and confident. “I love competing—it keeps me busy, and it’s given me more confidence in myself,” she says. Support athletes like Rebekah by giving $50 to fuel the next 50 years of confidence, competition, and achievement. See the link in bio for more info! #SpecialOlympicsWA #50thAnniversary #50StoriesFor50Years
Don’t miss the @SSuperHawks vs. Vancouver Volcan Don’t miss the @SSuperHawks vs. Vancouver Volcanos basketball game tonight — it’s going to be electric! basketball game tonight — it’s going to be electric! Come cheer on the SuperHawks and catch some great hoops action. Plus, special guest - NBA point guard legend, Gary Payton will be in attendance! 👏💚💛 📍 Seattle Pacific University 🕗 7:00 pm 🎟️ FREE admission Let’s pack the stands and show some love! #SuperHawks #GaryPayton #TheGlove #GameNight #Basketball #SpecialOlympicsWA
As we celebrate 50 years of Special Olympics Washi As we celebrate 50 years of Special Olympics Washington, we’re sharing 50 stories that highlight the people who make our movement possible. Today, we’re proud to spotlight Honey Sychtysz, who was recently named Kent School District’s Coach of the Year—a well-deserved honor that reflects her deep commitment to inclusion through Unified Sports. Honey coaches Unified Basketball, Unified Badminton, and Unified Track & Field at Kentwood High School (@unified.kw.conks) bringing energy, heart, and leadership to every practice and game. Her athletes don’t just develop skills—they gain confidence, friendships, and the kind of support that lasts well beyond the season. Her recognition by Kent School District shows a broader cultural shift—toward celebrating and prioritizing inclusion in schools and athletics. Honey’s dedication is shaping a better future for student-athletes of all abilities. Help us celebrate incredible coaches like Honey by donating $50 to fuel the next 50 years of Unified excellence and inclusive leadership. Click the link in bio for more info. #SpecialOlympicsWA #50thAnniversary #50StoriesFor50Years #UnifiedGeneration #PlayUnified #UnifiedChampionSchools
As we count down to the 2025 State Spring Games, w As we count down to the 2025 State Spring Games, we’re sharing 50 stories to celebrate 50 years of Special Olympics Washington. Troy Horton’s journey with Special Olympics Washington began in 1996 when his sister invited him to play softball. Her foster mom happened to be a Special Olympics Washington coordinator and coach—and that invitation changed his life. Now 29 years later, Troy is still playing with South Kitsap, still making memories, and still loving the game. “Softball is my favorite,” he says, “but it’s more than the sport—it’s the friendships, the coaches, the volunteers, and the amazing people I’ve met along the way.” One moment that stands out? Hitting an inside-the-park home run—a memory he still holds close among countless others. “Special Olympics changed my life in a major way,” Troy says. “I’m so truly blessed and proud to be a Special Olympics athlete.” Celebrate stories like Troy’s with a $50 gift to help fuel the next 50 years of inclusion, friendship, and unforgettable moments using the link in bio. #SpecialOlympicsWA #50thAnniversary #50StoriesFor50Years
The 2025 State Spring Games are almost here — an The 2025 State Spring Games are almost here — and we need YOUR help to make them amazing! Volunteers fill crucial roles that keep the event running smoothly—everything from setup and logistics to athlete support and awards. Without them, many of these activities simply couldn't happen. Volunteers bring energy, encouragement, and heart needed for a great State Spring Games. We are looking for medical volunteers to provide first aid + Healthy Athletes screenings as well as competition and non-competition volunteers to assist with athletics, soccer, softball, swimming, golf and bocce. 📅 Sign up now using the link in our bio — spots go fast! Questions? Email: volunteer@sowa.org Let’s make the 2025 State Spring Games unforgettable! 🙌 #Volunteer #SpecialOlympicsWA #2025StateSpringGames
Shop with Purpose - Support Special Olympics Washi Shop with Purpose - Support Special Olympics Washington! 🛍️🌟 We’ve partnered with @TheNetworkofGiving to make it easy for you to support local Special Olympics Washington athletes - just by shopping! Your everyday purchases can make a real difference, and it won’t cost you a cent more. 💙 Join now and make every purchase count using the link in bio! #SpecialOlympicsWA #NetworkofGiving #EveryDollarCounts #InclusionRevolution #SupportOurAthletes
Follow on Instagram

Contact Us

  • 2815 Second Avenue Suite 370 Seattle, WA 98121
  • P: (206) 362-4949

Get in Touch

Latest Posts

Help Us Celebrate 50 Years by Sharing Your Story

Sports Advancement Update

Breaking Ice and Breaking Barriers 2025

Tags

  • Fundraisers
  • Inclusive Health
  • LETR
  • Lewis County
  • SOWA News
  • State Games
  • Torch Run
  • training
  • Unified Champion Schools
Stay informed

Get all the latest news, notes, sporting results and event information!

  1. About Us
  2. Press Room
  3. Partners
  4. Privacy Policy
  5. Sitemap
  6. Contact
  1. Phone (206) 362-4949
  2. Fax (206) 361-8158
  3. sowa@sowa.org

2815 Second Avenue
Suite 370
Seattle, WA 98121

Friend Special Olympics Washington on Facebook Connect with Special Olympics Washington on LinkedIn Check out Special Olympics Washington on YouTube Check out Special Olympics Washington on Instagram

© 2025 Special Olympics Washington
All Rights Reserved.