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50 Years Strong: Let’s Celebrate Inclusion, Community, and the Power of Sport
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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.
🚨 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
On June 16, we’re teaming up with the @SeattleMa On June 16, we’re teaming up with the @SeattleMariners to kick off Celebration Week - and you're invited to be part of the magic. We’ll be celebrating 50 years of inclusion, courage, and community at T-Mobile Park, as the Mariners take on the Boston Red Sox! ⚾💙 🎟️ $5 from every ticket purchased through our link goes directly to supporting thousands of athletes across Washington - fueling dreams, building confidence, and breaking down barriers. 👕 And don’t miss your chance to wear your impact: a limited-edition Mariners x Special Olympics Washington 50th Anniversary T-shirt has been created to honor five decades of life-changing moments and will be available to attendees while supplies last! 🕔 Get your tickets by Friday, June 13 at 5:00 p.m. 👉 Purchase your tickets using the link in bio. Let’s fill the stands with pride, purpose, and people who believe in a more inclusive world. 💫 #SpecialOlympicsWA #SOWA50thAnniversary #Mariners #CelebrationWeek #StateSpringGames #TmobilePark
Today’s spotlight is part of our 50 for 50—50 Today’s spotlight is part of our 50 for 50—50 stories celebrating 50 years of inclusion, passion, and impact. Meet Cody Wells, an athlete whose journey with Special Olympics spans over 40 years. He began competing in 1984 as part of the Lewis County team, and since then, Special Olympics has helped him stay active and connected through sports. Over the years, Cody has built strength, confidence, and countless memories through events like track, basketball, and his favorite—bowling. He proudly holds 138 medals and still remembers the excitement of attending the Summer Games at Fort Lewis for the first time in 1994. “Special Olympics is a big part of my life,” Cody says. Help us continue building these life-changing experiences for athletes across Washington. Give $50 today to support 50 more years of inclusion by using the link in our bio. #SpecialOlympicsWA #50thAnniversary #50StoriesFor50Years
As we celebrate 50 years of Special Olympics Washi As we celebrate 50 years of Special Olympics Washington, we’re sharing 50 stories of the people whose dedication and heart built this movement—leading up to the 2025 State Spring Games. Caryl Andre has been involved with Special Olympics Washington for 44 years, wearing just about every hat there is—coach, chaperone, fundraiser, Games Chair, event evaluator, and longtime volunteer at the local, regional, and state levels. Her journey started in 1981, when she was just 16, teaching tennis for Renton Parks & Rec. Her supervisor asked if she could help out at a Special Olympics softball practice. “That was the first time I helped out,” she says, “and I’ve been involved ever since.” Caryl’s early experiences with athletes lit the path for her career. She went on to study Parks & Recreation with a focus in Therapeutic Recreation, and later worked in the City of Bellevue’s Special Needs Division as a Recreation Coordinator. When she talks to others about Special Olympics, she beams with pride. “It’s easy to share how much positive energy, joy, and community our athletes bring,” she says. “I always tell people—volunteering here will be the most fun and impactful experience you’ll ever have.” And after 40+ years, she still smiles recalling the athlete who stopped in every single race to wave at the cheering section—no matter how many times they told him to keep running. Celebrate lifelong volunteers like Caryl with a $50 gift to help build the next 50 years of smiles, connection, and inclusion using the link in bio. #SpecialOlympicsWA #50thAnniversary #50StoriesFor50Years
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