Dear Friends, Partners, and Special Olympics Washington Community,

As we enter the Thanksgiving and holiday season of our remarkable 50th anniversary year, I want to extend my deepest gratitude to every athlete, family member, volunteer, coach, staff member, and supporter who shaped this movement across Washington.

Closing out a milestone year naturally brings both celebration and reflection and this year brought plenty of both.

It is no secret that we faced real challenges. We’ve navigated financial pressures, staffing transitions, system changes, and the hard work of strengthening our foundation for the future. And we have done all of this during a time that so often felt uncertain, divided, and overwhelming.

But if you have ever attended a Special Olympics event, you know this truth: the uncertainty of everything else fades the moment an athlete steps onto the field. It is replaced by determination, joy, and a sense of belonging that reminds us why this movement matters.

In a world full of instability, Special Olympics remains a place of steadiness, hope, and community for thousands of athletes and families across Washington.

Because of our community’s commitment, we still achieved extraordinary things this year:

  • Honored 50 years of impact, celebrating the athletes, families, and volunteers who built this movement.
  • Formed our new Statewide Advisory Committee, ensuring diverse voices and lived experiences help guide the future of Special Olympics Washington.
  • Raised the Special Olympics flag above the Space Needle, a historic moment of visibility and pride for inclusion across our state.
  • Deepened Tribal partnerships through Building Bridges, expanding access to inclusive sports and health programs.
  • Strengthened Local Programs, improving support, communications, consistency, and access statewide.
  • Forged new partnerships across schools, corporations, and community organizations.
  • Amplified our sports partnerships with the Seattle Seahawks, Seattle Storm, and Seattle Kraken—creating unforgettable athlete experiences and elevating the spirit of inclusion.
  • Celebrated a record-breaking Gold Gala, which helped close revenue gaps earlier in the year and demonstrated the generosity and belief that fuel this movement.

These successes were far from easy. They were earned through grit, collaboration, and a shared commitment to our athletes. And in each moment of celebration and challenge, Special Olympics provided what it always has: a place where people know they belong, where families find community, and where joy and purpose endure.

But our mission demands that we keep going and keep growing.

As we look ahead, I feel hopeful and energized. This 50th year has been more than a celebration; it has been a turning point. We’ve strengthened our systems, clarified our path, and laid the groundwork for the next era of growth and impact.

In January, I look forward to sharing the next chapter; one that builds on this momentum to reach more participants, develop more leaders, and expand our impact across Washington. But we will only get there with the continued strength and support of this incredible community.

And so, as we enter this season of giving, I invite you to consider a special way to stand with us:

This Giving Tuesday, let’s come together once again to fuel the next 50 years of inclusion.

Every gift, no matter the size; helps us reach more athletes, deepen our programs, and build a future where every person is empowered to shine.

For now, I simply want to say thank you.

Thank you to our athletes and Unified partners, whose courage and joy inspire us every day.

Thank you to our families, for your trust and partnership.

Thank you to our volunteers and coaches, who provide consistency and care year after year.

Thank you to our staff, for your resilience and dedication.

Thank you to our donors and partners, whose generosity keeps our mission strong.

Thank you for believing in what Special Olympics stands for, especially in a year when the world around us has felt anything but simple.

Together, we will continue advancing a Washington where everyone belongs and where every athlete has the platform, support, and community to shine for the next 50 years and beyond.

With gratitude,

Mary K. Do
President & CEO
Special Olympics Washington