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Special Olympics Washington Night At the Mariners
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Cop on Top Spokane Pacers
By Rebecca Hummer - June 26, 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.
Be part of something unforgettable by volunteering Be part of something unforgettable by volunteering at one of the biggest, most inclusive sports events of the year! 🙌 The 2025 State Spring Games offers competitions in athletics, bocce, golf, soccer, softball, and swimming to over 2,000+ athletes and we need your help to make it a success. Join us on and off the field in a number of ways. ✅Event support: set up/tear down, check-in, info booth and lunch distribution. ✅Competition support: referees, timers, place judges, etc. ✅Medical: First aid support and health screenings at Healthy Athletes Check out volunteer shifts here using the link in our bio. Register in the Volunteer Portal! Questions? Email: volunteer@sowa.org #Volunteer #SpecialOlympicsWA #2025StateSpringGames
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 our movement—on and off the field. Trent Marshall is a longtime Special Olympics Washington athlete who shines in alpine skiing and golf. During winter practices, it’s not unusual for him to get in 20+ downhill runs in a single Saturday, no matter how long the lift lines. Off the slopes, Trent is a dedicated employee at Target, where he’s beloved by his team and has helped secure in-kind support for our State Games. He and his family have been generous supporters of Special Olympics for years. Trent’s leadership is just as impressive as his athletic achievements. He has served on the Special Olympics Washington Board of Directors, is a member of the Athlete Input Council, and continues to lead as a board member for the Skihawks Racing Team, supporting athletes in skiing and snowboarding. He is also currently the athlete representative on the @washingtonletr Executive Council. Whether he’s competing, mentoring, or giving back, Trent leads with heart. Support athlete leaders like Trent with a $50 gift to help fuel the next 50 years of confidence, community, and inclusion. Donate using the link in bio! #SpecialOlympicsWA #50thAnniversary #50StoriesFor50Years
Athletes, families, and supporters are invited to Athletes, families, and supporters are invited to join us for Special Olympics Washington's 50th Anniversary Night at @tmobilepark on Monday, June 16! Celebrate 50 years of inclusion and impact with a fun night at the ballpark. For every ticket purchased through our special offer, $5 will go directly to Special Olympics Washington to support year-round programming across the state. When you use the link, you'll also have the chance to receive a @mariners - themed Special Olympics Washington 50th Anniversary T-shirt, available while supplies last! Tickets range from $45–$62, with options in both Main Level and View Level seating. Click the link in our bio to get your tickets! #SOWA50 #Mariners #TMobilePark #MarinersGame #SpecialOlympicsNight
Wishing the best of luck to our high school Unifie Wishing the best of luck to our high school Unified Track and Soccer teams as they head to the State Championship this weekend! 🏅🏃🏼⚽ #UnifiedGeneration #PlayUnified #UnifiedChampionSchools
To celebrate 50 years of Special Olympics Washingt To celebrate 50 years of Special Olympics Washington, we’re sharing 50 stories leading up to the 2025 State Spring Games. For 11 years, Jacqueline Lloyd has found connection, confidence, and joy through Special Olympics Washington. She started her journey in Thurston County, playing basketball, soccer, and softball. From there, she competed in Pierce County, and eventually returned to her home team—the Grays Harbor Hawks—where she expanded her sports to include bowling, cheer, track, swimming, and basketball. Jacqueline’s favorite memory? Traveling to Wenatchee for the first time and earning gold in cheer. “Special Olympics helped me meet new friends and made me feel better about myself because I can do sports and be part of a team,” she says. Help support athletes like Jacqueline by giving $50 to fuel the next 50 years of confidence, teamwork, and gold-medal memories. See the link in bio. #SpecialOlympicsWA #50thAnniversary #50StoriesFor50Years
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
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