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Special Olympics Washington Night At the Mariners
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By Rebecca Hummer - February 20, 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.
When swimmers hit the water, the chaos fades and f When swimmers hit the water, the chaos fades and focus takes over - it’s their happy place, their power zone. But poolside? That’s where the heart and energy of the team come alive! ❤️🔥 Let’s hear it, how do you show your swim spirit?👏💙 #SpecialOlympicsWA #SpringSeason #2025SpringStateGames #Swimming
In honor of our 50th Anniversary, we’re sharing In honor of our 50th Anniversary, we’re sharing 50 stories that reflect the heart of Special Olympics Washington. The Knights of Columbus have been long-time champions of Special Olympics Washington. For decades, they have supported our athletes through funding, volunteerism, and presence at events across the state. Their famous Tootsie Roll campaigns continue to yield critical support for many agencies like Special Olympics Washington supporting people with intellectual and developmental disabilities. The Knights’ commitment to inclusion and acceptance aligns perfectly with Special Olympics Washington’s mission. Their legacy of service and humility lives on in many an Opening Ceremony where they proudly present the colors, in every lunch and/or hot chocolate they distribute, and in every athlete they champion. They don’t just show up, they lead with heart. Honor their dedication by giving $50 today to fuel 50 more years of inclusion and community using the link in bio. #SpecialOlympicsWA #50thAnniversary #50StoriesFor50Years
🏆 Huge congratulations to the UCS soccer state 🏆 Huge congratulations to the UCS soccer state champs! West Seattle High School (@WestSeattle.Unified) took home the Division 1 title, and Shorecrest High School (@shorecrest_unified_soccer) claimed the Division 2 title! Every team brought skill, heart, and true sportsmanship to the field ⚽🔥 Here’s to the teams, coaches, fans, and Unified partners who made magic happen. Your impact goes far beyond the scoreboard. #UnifiedGeneration #PlayUnified #UnifiedChampionSchools
🎉 We’re teaming up with the Seattle Mariners 🎉 We’re teaming up with the Seattle Mariners (@Mariners) to kick off Celebration Week in a big way! ⚾🙌 Join us Monday, June 16 at @TMobilePark as the Mariners take on the Boston Red Sox, and support Special Olympics Washington at the same time! 💥 $5 from every ticket purchased through our special link goes directly back to Special Olympics Washington programs. 👕 Plus, snag a limited-edition Mariners x Special Olympics Washington 50th Anniversary T-shirt (while supplies last)! 🎟️ Get your tickets by Friday, June 13 at 5:00 p.m. 👉 Purchase your tickets using the link in our bio! #SpecialOlympicsWA #SOWA50thAnniversary #Mariners #TmobilePark #Baseball #StateSpringGames #CelebrationWeek
As we celebrate 50 years of Special Olympics Washi As we celebrate 50 years of Special Olympics Washington, we’re sharing 50 stories that honor the people behind the movement—leading up to the 2025 State Spring Games. For over 14 years, Patrick Gilbert has been a passionate champion of Special Olympics Washington through the Law Enforcement Torch Run® (LETR). As State Director, he has helped grow LETR’s reach, visibility, and impact—uniting law enforcement and athletes in a shared mission of inclusion. Patrick’s reason for getting involved was simple: “Just to make a difference in other people’s lives.” What he found was a community that changed his life in return. In a career that comes with high pressure and stress, Special Olympics has offered Patrick something grounding. “They give me a break and help me put in perspective my impact in the world,” he says. He’s witnessed countless incredible moments—but the ones that stick with him most are every hug, every high five, and every time he places a medal on an athlete’s neck. “That never gets old,” Patrick says. “It always means something.” Celebrate leaders like Patrick by donating $50 to help fuel the next 50 years of impact, connection, and inclusion. Learn more using the link in bio. #SpecialOlympicsWA #50thAnniversary #50StoriesFor50Years
Be part of something unforgettable by volunteering Be part of something unforgettable by volunteering at Swimming and Athletics competitions at the 2025 State Spring Games! We're welcoming over 2,000 athletes to compete in one of the most inclusive sporting events of the year — and your support makes it all possible. 💪 Volunteer Roles Include: ✅ Event Support – Help with setup/tear down, check-in, info booths, and lunch distribution ✅ Competition Support – Timers, place judges, marshals, and more 📍 Saturday, June 21 | Federal Way | Swimming 📍 Sunday, June 22 | Tacoma | Athletics Find your shift using the link in bio. Register through the Volunteer Portal. Got questions? We’re here to help: volunteer@sowa.org Let’s make Sunday unforgettable for every athlete. #Volunteer #SpecialOlympicsWA #2025StateSpringGames #InclusionInAction
As we celebrate 50 years of Special Olympics Washi As we celebrate 50 years of Special Olympics Washington, we’re sharing 50 stories leading up to the 2025 State Spring Games! Kelly Campbell made history as the first athlete to serve as Chair of the Board of Directors for Special Olympics Washington—and her impact has been nothing short of transformational. During her two-year term as Board Chair, Kelly brought her lived experience as an athlete into every decision. Her leadership was rooted in a clear mission: to create more pathways for athlete leadership and ensure athlete voices are central to every level of the organization. One of her proudest accomplishments was launching Special Olympics Washington’s board mentorship program, where athletes mentor board members—helping them better understand the athlete experience and build deeper connections to the community. Though her term as Chair has concluded, Kelly continues to serve on the Board of Directors and remains deeply committed to growing the mentorship program and expanding the Athlete Leadership Program, which supports athletes pursuing leadership roles in areas like Sports, Communications, and Governance. “I hope my time as Board Chair inspires others to dream more, learn more, and do more as athlete leaders,” she says. Celebrate leaders like Kelly by donating $50 to help build the next 50 years of leadership, vision, and inclusion. Visit the link in our bio to learn more. #SpecialOlympicsWA #50thAnniversary #50StoriesFor50Years
Every sprint, every leap, every step on the track Every sprint, every leap, every step on the track is a testament to determination. It’s not just about the finish line, it’s about the grind that gets you there. What’s your favorite event to participate in? #SpecialOlympicsWA #SpringSeason #2025SpringStateGames #Athletics
As we celebrate 50 years of Special Olympics Washi As we celebrate 50 years of Special Olympics Washington, we’re sharing 50 stories that highlight the people who keep our mission moving—leading up to the 2025 State Spring Games. For over two decades, Rick Wade has been a driving force in the Law Enforcement Torch Run® (LETR) movement across the South Sound. He began his journey in 2002, thinking it would be a great way to complement his marathon training. But soon, the torch runs became more than exercise—they became a purpose. Rick now coordinates torch runs in the region and works to bring more law enforcement agencies into the movement, helping expand the reach and impact of Special Olympics Washington. Volunteering has deeply shaped Rick’s perspective. “It’s made me more aware of people with disabilities and their incredible strength, desire, and capabilities,” he shares. Some of his most memorable moments include running the final leg into the Summer Games, where he had to slow down a lead athlete who was outrunning everyone—and seeing the smile of an athlete carrying the torch on a canoe across Hood Canal. “Volunteering with Special Olympics Washington has lit a fire in me,” Rick says. “And it’s going to be tough to give it up.” Support volunteers like Rick with a $50 gift to help fuel the next 50 years of inspiration, inclusion, and momentum. Learn more using the link in bio. #SpecialOlympicsWA #50thAnniversary #50StoriesFor50Years
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