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Special Olympics Washington Night At the Mariners
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2022 State Fall Games Fact Sheet_Flag Football
By Ammar - October 18, 2022
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ABOUT THE CONTRIBUTOR

Ammar

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Special Olympics Washington BUILDS communities and LEADS in Wellness through Sports and Inclusion.
To celebrate 50 years of Special Olympics Washingt To celebrate 50 years of Special Olympics Washington, we’re sharing 50 stories of the people who’ve shaped our movement—leading up to the 2025 State Spring Games. This year’s State Spring Games will mark a major milestone for Susan Greenwood—30 years as a volunteer with Special Olympics Washington. What started with a simple invitation from a coworker to help at a track meet quickly became a lifelong commitment. “I had no idea it was for Special Olympics—not that it would have mattered,” Susan says. “But I was hooked. And here I am, 30 years later.” Over the years, Susan has served in many roles—from Assistant Starter to Equipment Manager to Meet Director—bringing knowledge, heart, and steady leadership to every event. Most recently, her focus is on volunteer recruitment as a contract employee, helping to bring new energy and support to our events. Because of her years of dedication, Susan became a Master level certified track & field official and was selected as Head Shot Put Official at the 2022 USA Games—with her sights now set on 2026. Beyond logistics, Susan is known as Special Olympics Washington’s unofficial Sun Safety Advocate, driven by her personal battle with skin cancer. She uses her story to educate athletes, coaches, and volunteers on the importance of sun protection. One of her most meaningful moments came when a young athlete she had taught in a training clinic ran up to her weeks later, beaming. “She introduced me to her family as the one who taught her shot put—and said, ‘Susan’s why I got a PR today!’” That memory still gives Susan goosebumps. Her story is one of dedication, joy, and lifelong connection. Celebrate volunteers like Susan with a $50 gift to help fuel the next 50 years of inclusion, achievement, and community. Donate using the link in bio! #SpecialOlympicsWA #50thAnniversary #50StoriesFor50Years
Join us for the 2025 State Spring Games from June Join us for the 2025 State Spring Games from June 20–22 in Tacoma and Federal Way! We're looking for enthusiastic volunteers to support thousands of athletes as they compete in events like athletics, bocce, golf, soccer, softball, and swimming. Volunteer Roles Include: ✅Event Support: Assist with setup, tear-down, and logistics. ✅General Support: Help with check-in, meal distribution, and merchandise sales. ✅Medical Volunteers: Provide first aid and health screenings. ✅Special Events: Support the Opening Ceremonies and Victory Dance. How to Get Involved: ✅Create a Volunteer Profile: Visit our Volunteer Portal to sign up. ✅Choose Your Role: Select the events and shifts that fit your schedule. ✅Whether you're a seasoned volunteer or new to the team, your support makes a difference! Questions? Email us at volunteer@sowa.org Check out volunteer shifts using the link in bio. Register for a role in the Volunteer Portal. Let's make the 2025 State Spring Games unforgettable—together! #VolunteerWithUs #StateSpringGames2025 #InclusionMatters #SpecialOlympicsWA
In honor of our 50th Anniversary, we’re sharing In honor of our 50th Anniversary, we’re sharing 50 stories that reflect the power of Special Olympics Washington—leading up to the 2025 State Spring Games. Some of our most meaningful stories come from families who live the mission together—and Tessa and John Nickerson are a perfect example. Tessa began her journey with Special Olympics Washington in fall 2021 as part of the Issaquah School District program, and has since become a standout in bowling, basketball, and track. Whether she's competing or cheering on a teammate, Tessa brings positivity, encouragement, and infectious energy to every event. Behind the scenes—and often right there on the sidelines—is her dad, John Nickerson, a dedicated volunteer coach who has been supporting athletes for the past three years. Coaching in all three sports, John leads with enthusiasm and care, helping every athlete feel excited, confident, and supported. Together, Tessa and John embody the spirit of Special Olympics: joy, connection, and community. Support stories like theirs by donating $50 to build the next 50 years of inclusion, teamwork, and shared triumphs. Click the link in bio to learn more! #SpecialOlympicsWA #50thAnniversary #50StoriesFor50Years
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
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