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50 Years Strong: Let’s Celebrate Inclusion, Community, and the Power of Sport
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Health Promotion Volunteer Flyer – March 4th, 2023 – Winter Games
By Rebecca Hummer - February 19, 2023
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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.
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
This week only: your grocery trip can help fuel th This week only: your grocery trip can help fuel the future of inclusion! Donate at checkout at your local @Safeway or @Albertsons now through June 21 to support thousands of Special Olympics Washington athletes. ✅ Shop ✅ Donate ✅ Make a difference #ShopForSOWA #CelebrationWeek #SpecialOlympicsWA #Safeway
As Spring Games gets closer, we’re continuing ou As Spring Games gets closer, we’re continuing our “50 stories for 50 years” series by shining a light on the leaders making Special Olympics Washington what it is today. Meet Kimber Miller, a longtime coach and Unified Sports Program Coordinator for Tacoma Schools. Kimber has been coaching for 9 years and has led Unified efforts in Tacoma for the past 3 years, creating opportunities for students of all abilities to participate in school sports and activities. “I wanted the students in my class to have the chance to be part of something bigger—to be seen, celebrated, and included,” she shared. That passion has led to some incredible moments—like taking athletes and partners to Winter Games, where many experienced their first hotel stay and time away from home. “It was an unforgettable weekend that brought everyone together.” This year, Kimber also launched the first-ever Unified Basketball Senior Night and Pack-the-Gym events across all Tacoma high schools—traditions she plans to continue every year. “I’ve seen athletes and partners grow as individuals and as a team. Being part of this movement, and having my voice heard within the Tacoma athletics and activities leadership team, has been one of the most rewarding parts of my career.” Here’s to building more inclusive schools—and more unforgettable memories. Use the link in bio to make a change. #SpecialOlympicsWA #50thAnniversary #50StoriesFor50Years
Celebration Week kicks off TOMORROW, June 15 — a Celebration Week kicks off TOMORROW, June 15 — and so does your chance to make a difference. 🛒 When you shop at @Safeway, you can donate at checkout to support Special Olympics Washington athletes across the state. Small change, big impact. Let’s do this together. #ShopForSOWA #CelebrationWeek #SpecalOlympicsWA #Safeway
Nothing beats the thrill of a homerun - except may Nothing beats the thrill of a homerun - except maybe the friendships you make along the way! Softball is more than a sport, it’s a celebration of teamwork, resilience, and heart. Tag a friend you've made through a sport! #SpecialOlympicsWA #SpringSeason #2025SpringStateGames #Softball
As Spring Games approaches, we’re celebrating 50 As Spring Games approaches, we’re celebrating 50 years of Special Olympics Washington with 50 stories in 50 days—and what better way to celebrate than with a dynamic sister duo who bring double the heart to every game? Angel and Destiny Wood are twin sisters who play Unified Sports together at Skyview High School and serve as proud members of the Youth Activation Committee. For the past two years, Unified Sports has given them a chance to do something special: compete side-by-side. “Since we usually play sports at different levels, Unified Sports lets us be on the same team,” they shared. “It’s been an amazing opportunity to create memories together.” One of their favorite moments so far? Winning districts in soccer this year—together. “We’re so glad Unified programs are part of our school,” they said. “It means everything to be able to play as teammates and sisters.” Double the players. Double the pride. Double the impact. See the link in bio! #SpecialOlympicsWA #50thAnniversary #50StoriesFor50Years
🎉Celebrate 50 years of Special Olympics Washing 🎉Celebrate 50 years of Special Olympics Washington, and kick off the 2025 State Spring Games in style! Join us Friday, June 20 at Cheney Stadium for the Opening Ceremony and an unforgettable night with the Tacoma Rainiers. The night will feature a pregame, on field ceremony to celebrate all Special Olympics Washington athletes, followed by the Tacoma Rainiers taking on the Albuquerque Isotopes. Stick around post-game to enjoy a great Friday Night Fireworks. ⚾🎇 🏅 Athletes, coaches, and chaperones - your tickets are included with registration! 👨‍👩‍👧 Family and friends - grab your tickets now for just $13.69 (with fees) before they’re gone! 🎟️Purchase tickets using the link in bio! #SpecialOlympicsWA #2025SpringGames #OpeningCeremony #TacomaRainiers
Spring Games is just days away, and to celebrate 5 Spring Games is just days away, and to celebrate 50 years of inclusion, competition, and unforgettable moments, we’re sharing 50 stories in 50 days—because who doesn’t love a good countdown? Evan Gentry has been competing with the Grays Harbor Hawks for 14 years, driven by his love for sports—and the people he plays them with. “I’ve made really good friends like Matthew, Jessica, Tim, and Patrick,” Evan says. “And I get to play all the sports I like.” One of Evan’s proudest memories? Carrying the torch at Opening Ceremonies during Spring Games—a moment that symbolized just how far he’s come as an athlete and a teammate. He credits his experience to the incredible support system around him: “I love my coaches. Erick and Heather are my favorite.” Here’s to the friendships, the memories, and the next 50 years of lighting the way together. See the link in bio for more information. #SpecialOlympicsWA #50thAnniversary #50StoriesFor50Years
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