At Special Olympics Washington, our mission is to empower individuals with intellectual and developmental disabilities (IDD) through the transformative power of sports. But it’s about so much more than just competition – building a community where athletes and volunteers can shine, share their stories, and inspire others is equally as important. That’s why our Sunday Spotlights are such an essential part of what we do.

Every Sunday, we feature an athlete or volunteer on our social media channels to highlight the incredible people who make our movement special. Since 2019, we’ve showcased hundreds of stories, celebrating the achievements, dedication, and passion of those who are part of Special Olympics Washington. But we know there are still countless more athletes and volunteers with inspiring stories that deserve the spotlight.

Sunday Spotlights are more than just social media posts – they represent the heart of our mission. They give us an opportunity to celebrate athletes for their hard work and determination, showcase the amazing contributions of our volunteers, and connect our community through personal stories. Each spotlight is a reminder of the impact Special Olympics has on the lives of individuals with IDD, helping to break down barriers, foster inclusion, and create lasting change.

Do you know an athlete who has shown remarkable growth, perseverance, or leadership? Maybe a volunteer who has gone above and beyond to support our mission? We want to hear from you! By nominating someone for a Sunday Spotlight, you’re helping to uplift the voices of individuals who truly embody the spirit of Special Olympics.

Nominating someone is easy! You can submit an athlete or volunteer for a spotlight in two ways:

 

  1. Email Submission: Send an email to media@sowa.org with the name and contact information of your nominee, and our Marketing team will follow up with them.
  2. Submit the Spotlight Nominee Questions: Provide the following responses along with 2-3 photos of the nominee and email them to media@sowa.org:
    • First and last name
    • Pronouns
    • Athlete: What team do they play for?
    • Volunteer: In what ways do they volunteer for Special Olympics?
    • How long have they been competing or involved?
    • Why did they want to join/get involved with Special Olympics?
    • How has Special Olympics changed their life?
    • Optional: What is a Special Olympics memory they will never forget?
    • Optional: What are their future goals as an athlete?

 

Each athlete and volunteer has a unique story to tell, and our Sunday Spotlights are a way to celebrate their contributions to our shared mission. Whether it’s an athlete striving for their personal best or a volunteer giving their time to support inclusive opportunities, these stories showcase the true power of our community.

Help us continue to recognize the outstanding individuals who make Special Olympics Washington a place where everyone can shine. Nominate someone today – and let’s continue to share the stories that inspire us all.

Follow along with our Sunday Spotlights on Facebook and Instagram and be sure to nominate someone who deserves the spotlight!