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50 Years Strong: Let’s Celebrate Inclusion, Community, and the Power of Sport
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By Rebecca Hummer - July 15, 2024
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ABOUT THE CONTRIBUTOR

Rebecca Hummer

Rebecca Hummer is the Senior Marketing Manager at Special Olympics Washington.

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specialolympicswashington

Special Olympics Washington BUILDS communities and LEADS in Wellness through Sports and Inclusion.
Thank you to our incredible teachers for an unforg Thank you to our incredible teachers for an unforgettable school year! Your passion, dedication, and care have made a lasting impact and we appreciate each and every one of you. 💛📚 #UnifiedGeneration #PlayUnified #UnifiedChampionSchools #SpecialOlympicsWA
⚽️ Scoring a goal is electric - but it’s nev ⚽️ Scoring a goal is electric - but it’s never just about one person. It’s about teamwork, trust, and coming together to achieve something greater than yourself. 🙌✨ How have you joined forces with others to reach a shared goal? Share your story of teamwork and triumph below! 👇 #SpecialOlympicsWA #SpringSeason #2025SpringStateGames #Soccer
The 2025 Spring Games is just around the corner, a The 2025 Spring Games is just around the corner, and as we celebrate 50 years of Special Olympics Washington, we're spotlighting 50 powerful stories of athletes, coaches, and volunteers whose lives have been shaped by this movement. Edward Vichi first competed in track and field in 1978—and hasn’t missed a season since. From swimming and softball to bocce and bowling, Edward has done it all, driven by a deep love for sports and inspired by his mom, a passionate athlete herself. One of his most memorable moments came in 1987, when he was selected for a tandem bicycle ride from Houston to New Orleans. “We trained for months,” he says. “The coach was in front, I was in back—and we had a police escort the whole way. It took a week, and I’ll never forget it.” Edward grew up in California, participating with Special Olympics of Sonoma County before moving to Washington in 2015. Now proudly representing the Wolfpack of Spokane, he continues to compete at the age of 66. “I’ve made lifelong friends. I’ve won medals I’m proud of. And I still talk to my best friend from Special Olympics—we met in 1976 and talk every day.” Here’s to the next season, the next race, and the next 50 years of moments like Edward’s. Click the link in our bio for more info! #SpecialOlympicsWA #50thAnniversary #50StoriesFor50Years
🚨 Volunteers Needed! 🚨 The 2025 State Sprin 🚨 Volunteers Needed! 🚨 The 2025 State Spring Games are coming June 20–22, and we need YOU to help make the magic happen! ✨🏅 We're especially looking for: 🦷 Dentists + Healthy Athletes volunteers to support our athletes' health and wellness 🏊 Swimming volunteers to keep the energy high and the races running smoothly 🥎 Softball + golf volunteers to help run the competition 💇‍♀️ Hair Fair helpers to bring smiles and style to our athletes! 📸Photographers to help capture the special moments Whether you're cheering on athletes, helping behind the scenes, or sharing your professional skills—you’ll be changing lives (including your own). 📍Join us in celebrating inclusion, competition, and community. See the volunteer shifts using the volunteer link in bio. Register through the Volunteer Portal We’re here to help! Email volunteer@sowa.org if you've got any questions. #Volunteer #SpecialOlympicsWA #2025StateSpringGames
The 2025 Spring Games is almost here, and as we ce The 2025 Spring Games is almost here, and as we celebrate 50 years of Special Olympics Washington, we’re sharing 50 stories that spotlight the athletes, leaders, and moments that make this movement so powerful. For 10 years, Garrett Utz has been a proud member of Issaquah Spirit, but his journey began with a personal search for belonging. “Growing up, I was always the odd one out in my friend group,” he says. “But playing sports is my life—and Special Olympics gave me a place to be myself.” The memories and friendships he’s made will always hold a special place in his heart. One of the highlights of his journey? Refereeing at the World Games in Berlin—a meaningful milestone, especially with his German heritage. “That made it even more special.” Garrett shares a powerful reminder: “If you have a brother, sister, or friend with IDD—hold on tight. In a world full of hate and division, Special Olympics is the light at the end of the tunnel.” Celebrate athletes like Garrett by donating $50 to help build the next 50 years of belonging, purpose, and hope. Use the link in bio! #SpecialOlympicsWA #50thAnniversary #50StoriesFor50Years
🏀 Thank you to everyone who joined us for the S 🏀 Thank you to everyone who joined us for the Storm x US Bank Jr. Storm Basketball Clinic on Wednesday, June 4! We were thrilled to welcome so many enthusiastic young athletes from the Tulalip Orcas to the court for a day filled with skill-building, teamwork, and unforgettable moments. From learning new techniques to connecting with @SeattleStorm players and coaches, the energy and passion were truly inspiring. A heartfelt thank you to @USBank for their continued partnership and commitment to empowering the next generation through sport. Shout out to the Marysville Getchell High School Unified team for putting together the video (Link in bio.)! 💚💛 #SpecialOlympicsWA #USBank #SeattleStorm #TulaliOrcas
As we count down to the 2025 State Spring Games, w As we count down to the 2025 State Spring Games, we’re highlighting the leaders whose dedication and heart have shaped 50 years of Special Olympics Washington. John Anderson’s journey spans decades, but it all started in 1982 when he took a friend’s son—whom he was caregiving for—to the State Games at Fort Lewis. That young boy couldn’t compete due to health complications, but the experience left a lasting impression on John. Growing up, John had a cousin with special needs and several neighborhood friends who were deaf or had disabilities. Inclusion was always part of his world, and by 1988, it became part of his purpose. In 1991, he was invited to help with the Powerlifting competition at the State Games due to his own background in bodybuilding and strength training. What started as a volunteer role quickly turned into something more—John went on to run the state’s Powerlifting program through 2005, bringing in a trusted team and refining the experience for athletes and coaches alike. After a few years of teaching special education on the Washington coast, John moved back to Puyallup in 2006 and began teaching at Puyallup High School. By 2010, he joined long-time coach Ann Carpenter to help lead the school’s Special Olympics program. In 2012, John stepped in as Head Coach and Program Coordinator, overseeing Unified Bowling, Basketball, and Soccer—and mentoring athletes every step of the way. He’s also been a volunteer coach with Sound Athletics since 2015, helping with their track program and continuing to expand his impact beyond the school. “Special Olympics has been about connection,” John says. “From the families and athletes to the volunteers and longtime friends—those relationships are what make it so rewarding.” Thanks to people like John, Special Olympics Washington is powered by passion, built on community, and ready for the next 50 years. Learn more using the link in our bio. #SpecialOlympicsWA #50thAnniversary #50StoriesFor50Years
Stanwood High School made history by winning its f Stanwood High School made history by winning its first-ever Inclusive State Championship — thanks to the heart, hustle, and unity of its mixed unified 400-meter relay team. Unified sports, which bring together athletes with and without intellectual and developmental disabilities, are growing across Washington — and Stanwood is leading the charge. This win is about more than medals; it's about inclusion, teamwork, and breaking barriers. Read the full article to be inspired by the athletes who are changing the game by Heraldnet.com. #SpecialOlympicsWA #UnifiedChampionSchools #UnifiedSports #InclusiveStateChampionship
As we count down to the State Spring Games on June As we count down to the State Spring Games on June 20, we’re sharing 50 stories to celebrate 50 years of Special Olympics Washington—and the athletes who make it unforgettable. For the past 9 years, Matthew Flemetis has proudly competed with the Grays Harbor Hawks. He first joined because he loved sports, but didn’t have the opportunity to play for his school. What he found in Special Olympics was so much more than a team—it was a family. “Special Olympics has given me a new family,” he says. “The Grays Harbor Hawks aren’t just people—they’re my people.” While Matthew has had success in many sports, it’s the relationships, support, and sense of belonging that matter most. “People who are neurotypical don’t always understand what it’s like to not be able to do the things they take for granted. Special Olympics helped me find out who I am.” He still remembers the very first day he walked into the gym feeling nervous—until another athlete named Colin walked right up to him and said, “Hi friend, I’m Colin—let me introduce you to everyone.” That moment changed everything. “Special Olympics is a huge part of my life. It’s who I am. It’s how I feel good about myself.” Celebrate athletes like Matthew by donating $50 to help fuel the next 50 years of inclusion, identity, and belonging. Using the link in bio. #SpecialOlympicsWA #50thAnniversary #50StoriesFor50Years
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