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Celebrating 50 Years of Special Olympics Washington
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3rd Annual Stonelake & Shanahan Golf Tournament Flyer – Ellie Hardwick
By Jaymelina Esmele - May 06, 2021
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ABOUT THE CONTRIBUTOR

Jaymelina Esmele

Follow Us

specialolympicswashington

Special Olympics Washington BUILDS communities and LEADS in Wellness through Sports and Inclusion.

Every checkout donation this week goes beyond the Every checkout donation this week goes beyond the register — it helps our athletes train, compete, and shine. ✨

Shop at your local @Safeway or @Albertsons, now through Friday, June 21 to help make moments like this possible.

#ShopForSOWA #CelebrationWeek #SpecalOlympicsWA #Safeway
It takes a team to make the State Spring Games hap It takes a team to make the State Spring Games happen—and we’re so grateful for our Silver Level Partners who help make the magic real!

Thank you to each of these partners for their ongoing support. @Amazon, @CityofTacoma and @Walmart!

#SpecialOlympicsWA #2025StateSpringGames #Sponosors #SpringGamesPartners
Golf isn’t just a game—it’s a masterclass in Golf isn’t just a game—it’s a masterclass in patience, one swing at a time. ⛳😌
How do you keep your cool when things don’t go as planned—on the course or in life? Drop your best tips below!

#SpecialOlympicsWA #SpringSeason #2025SpringStateGames #Golf
As we celebrate 50 years of Special Olympics Washi As we celebrate 50 years of Special Olympics Washington, we’re spotlighting families whose commitment has shaped our movement and left a lasting legacy.

Mary Rothbauer has been part of Special Olympics Washington for more than three decades, first as Program Coordinator of the North Whatcom program and later as a coach with the Skagit program. Over the years, she’s coached a variety of sports—but her true specialty was always swimming.

Mary and her husband Keith first got involved to support their son, Nicholas, and that spark turned into years of service, connection, and life-changing moments. From World Games and USA Games appearances to countless local competitions, the Rothbauer family has been a constant force for good in northwest Washington.

Now, as they head to a new chapter in Bozeman, Montana, their impact here remains strong. Nicholas is excited to get involved in Special Olympics Montana, even as he reflects on the many friendships and memories made in Washington.

Thank you, Rothbauer family, for the decades of heart you’ve poured into our community. You’ve left an unforgettable mark on Special Olympics Washington. We’ll miss you—but your impact will always be part of our story.

See the 50th Anniversary link in bio to donate today! 

#SpecialOlympicsWA #50thAnniversary #50StoriesFor50Years
Families and friends, don’t miss your chance to Families and friends, don’t miss your chance to join the fun at the Special Olympics Washington - 2025 Opening Ceremony and our 50th anniversary celebration taking place on June 20, at the Cheney Stadium in Tacoma! 🙌Athletes, coaches, and chaperones - your tickets to the Tacoma Rainiers vs. Albuquerque Isotopes game are covered through registration; tickets for the game are available for purchase down below if you'd like to join the fun! 

📅 Friday, June 20
📍 Cheney Stadium
⚾ Cheer on our athletes during a special on-field pregame ceremony, then enjoy the Tacoma Rainiers vs. Albuquerque Isotopes game—plus Friday Night Fireworks to top it all off! 🎆

🎟️ Reserved Seats: $10.50
($13.69 after fees)
Tickets are limited—grab yours soon using the link in our bio! 

Let’s fill the stands with love, pride, and community spirit! 💙

#SpecialOlympicsWA #2025SpringGames #OpeningCeremony #TacomaRainiers
As we keep the momentum going for Spring Games, we As we keep the momentum going for Spring Games, we're thrilled to feature another standout athlete in our “50 Stories for 50 Years” celebration—Robert Marshall of the Grays Harbor Hawks, who’s been part of the Special Olympics Washington family for 15 years.

Robert first joined Special Olympics to be part of a team—and he’s found exactly that and more.
“I’ve made some great friends who are like family,” he shared. One of his favorite memories happened during state track: “I was sitting on the ground and another athlete from a different team kept making bird noises to make me laugh. We had so much fun.”

Off the field, Robert loves participating in the state dance and karaoke night, where the friendships continue and the fun never stops.

Special Olympics has brought him connection, community, and plenty of laughter—exactly what the Games are all about.

Donate using the link in bio.

#SpecialOlympicsWA #50thAnniversary #50StoriesFor50Years
A heartfelt thank you to the @Mariners for hosting A heartfelt thank you to the @Mariners for hosting an unforgettable Special Olympics Washington 50th Anniversary Night at @TMobilePark!

We’re so grateful to all the athletes, families, and supporters who came out to celebrate 50 years of inclusion, joy, and community with us. Your energy made the night truly special. Thank you for being part of this milestone moment!

#SpecialOlympicsWA #Mariners #TmobilePark #Baseball #50thAnniversary #SOWA50
Bocce brings people together through teamwork, str Bocce brings people together through teamwork, strategy, and shared joy. Each round is an opportunity to grow, connect, and enjoy the spirit of friendly competition.

Who do you enjoy playing bocce with? Tag a teammate who always makes the game better!

#SpecialOlympicsWA #SpringSeason #2025SpringStateGames #Bocce
As we count down to the 2025 State Spring Games on As we count down to the 2025 State Spring Games on June 20, we’re sharing 50 stories to celebrate 50 years of Special Olympics Washington—and the people who make it all possible.

Brandon Johnson has been a proud supporter and leader in the Law Enforcement Torch Run® (LETR) for over 17 years, currently serving as Co-Director.

He was first introduced to the movement when his police chief “volunteered” him to participate in a torch run. But everything changed when he saw what the torch truly meant to the athletes. “I was hooked,” Brandon says. “I knew I wanted to be a voice for these amazing individuals.”

In a profession that can often feel heavy, Brandon finds energy and joy through his connection to Special Olympics. “Working with these athletes brings a sense of light into my life.”

One of his most memorable experiences was sharing a lunch with Loretta Claiborne, legendary Special Olympics athlete and global advocate. “To hear her story, what she’s overcome, and all she’s achieved—it was truly special.”

Celebrate leaders like Brandon by donating $50 to help fuel the next 50 years of torchbearers, inclusion, and inspiration. See link in bio for more info. 

#SpecialOlympicsWA #50thAnniversary #50StoriesFor50Years
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Celebrating 50 Years of Special Olympics Washington

50 Years Strong: Let’s Celebrate Inclusion, Community, and the Power of Sport

Special Olympics Washington Night At the Mariners

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