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Help Us Celebrate 50 Years by Sharing Your Story
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By Jaymelina Esmele - July 09, 2021
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ABOUT THE CONTRIBUTOR

Jaymelina Esmele

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specialolympicswashington

Special Olympics Washington BUILDS communities and LEADS in Wellness through Sports and Inclusion.
At Special Olympics Washington, we believe health At Special Olympics Washington, we believe health is a human right, and that true wellness means belonging. It’s not just doctors’ visits or prescriptions. It’s about being heard, valued, and supported, especially for people with intellectual and developmental disabilities (IDD), who too often face barriers to the care they deserve. That’s why we’ve teamed up with @VirginiaMasonFranciscanHealth to advance inclusive healthcare — where every person is treated with dignity and compassion. 💙 Because when care is inclusive, lives are transformed. Be part of the change. Support the Alliance for Inclusive Health: https://bit.ly/4gOQnzs #InclusiveHealth #SpecialOlympicsWA #HealthEquity #InclusionMatters
For 50 years, Special Olympics Washington has done For 50 years, Special Olympics Washington has done more than host competitions, we’ve transformed lives. We’ve built a legacy of inclusion, resilience, and community - empowering thousands of athletes across the state. Join us. Stand for inclusion. Lead with impact. With a $50 donation, you can help fuel the next 50 years. Want to make an even bigger impact? Connect with your Program Coordinator or reach out to Rebecca Hummer at rhummer@sowa.org to learn how you can start your own fundraising page and earn limited-edition 50th anniversary merch! #SpecialOlympicsWA #50for50 #SOWA50thAnniversary #CorporateResponsibility #LeadWithInclusion
To celebrate 50 years of Special Olympics Washingt To celebrate 50 years of Special Olympics Washington, we’re sharing 50 stories of the athletes, coaches, and volunteers who make it all possible—leading up to the 2025 State Spring Games. Kandy Paulson got involved with Special Olympics Washington three years ago, looking for a way to give back. A proud mom of four and grandma to nine, she was drawn to the energy, purpose, and joy that comes from supporting athletes doing what they love. As a Spring Games Chair and dedicated volunteer, Kandy helps lead the coordination of transportation for athletes and teams—rallying an incredible crew of drivers from @Boeing where she works. “The Boeing transportation team is always there when I ask for help,” she says. “They’re full of energy and always step up to make the athletes' experience flawless. I couldn’t do this without them.” For Kandy, the impact is personal. “Opening Ceremony always brings tears to my eyes,” she says. “But what really stays with me is when I see an athlete the following year, and they’re so excited to see me. That’s when I know I’ve made a small difference.” Celebrate volunteers like Kandy by donating $50 to fuel 50 more years of impact, joy, and connection by using the link in our bio. #SpecialOlympicsWA #50thAnniversary #50StoriesFor50Years
To honor 50 years of Special Olympics Washington, To honor 50 years of Special Olympics Washington, we’re sharing 50 stories that highlight how inclusion changes lives—leading up to the 2025 State Spring Games. Beth Nelson joined Special Olympics Washington 10 years ago, inspired by someone close to her. She signed up—and never looked back. As a member of Twin Rivers, Beth has built lasting friendships, gained confidence, and found joy in being part of a team. One of her proudest memories? Winning two gold medals in bowling, a sport she’s come to love. “I’ve met so many great people,” Beth says. “Special Olympics has been an amazing part of my life.” Help athletes like Beth keep making memories. Give $50 today to support 50 more years of friendship, fun, and achievement. Learn more using the link in bio. #SpecialOlympicsWA #50thAnniversary #50StoriesFor50Years
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
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