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2026 USA Games: Meet the Athletes Representing Washington
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By Rion Haber - February 18, 2017
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ABOUT THE CONTRIBUTOR

Rion Haber

Follow Us

specialolympicswashington

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

Together, we did it! Thanks to the incredible supp Together, we did it! Thanks to the incredible support from @Safeway and @Albertsons during Celebration Week and the #ShowForSOWA campaign, we raised over $100,000 for athletes across Washington!

This impact goes far beyond the checkout line. It helps create more inclusive communities and life-changing opportunities through the power of sport.

Thank you for showing up, giving back, and making a difference!

#SpecialOlympicsWA #Safeway #Albertsons #InclusionRevolution
We had a meaningful close to Torch Run season last We had a meaningful close to Torch Run season last week as the Redmond Police Department (@cityofredmond) carried the Torch on a one-mile walk through their city campus, proudly led by Sergeant Patty Neorr.

It was a fitting way to conclude this milestone 50th anniversary season — a celebration of the dedication and service of the entire Redmond Police Department and their volunteers, including Redmond Police Foundation Board Chair Ray Macey and the Redmond Police Department Cadet Unit, whose leadership and commitment offer hope for the future of public safety.

A sincere thank you to 2025 LETR® Lead Donovan Heavener, Ellie McConnell, the LETR® Executive Council, and everyone who contributed to making this Torch Run season one to remember — a meaningful tribute to 50 years of Special Olympics Washington.

#LETRforSO #2025TorchRun #SpecialOlympicsWA
🚀 We launched a new destination for all things 🚀 We launched a new destination for all things Unified Champion Schools, including our inclusive robotics initiative!

 If you're passionate about STEM and inclusion, this is worth exploring.
 🔗 Check it out at the link in our bio.
Years ago, Special Olympics Washington athlete Gar Years ago, Special Olympics Washington athlete Garet Bonham helped ignite the spark that launched a new chapter on the Peninsula — a legacy that still shines today.

Garet’s energy is contagious, and his drive to reach his goals, both on and off the field, continues to inspire everyone around him — including the team at the Washington State ABLE Savings Plan. With the support of his ABLE account, he is building a future full of independence and possibility. 

Garet reminds us all what’s possible when determination meets opportunity. Because when athletes like Garet dream big, they show the world that anything is achievable.

Celebrate 50 years of inclusion, empowerment, and unforgettable moments with Special Olympics Washington! 

Share your favorite memories on our 50th Anniversary Kudoboard using the link in bio. 

#SOWA50 #50thAnniversary #FavoriteSOWAMemories
Special Olympics Washington is celebrating 50 life Special Olympics Washington is celebrating 50 life-changing years with a 2X MATCH OFFER‼️

Donate now to empower even more people with Intellectual and Developmental Disabilities (IDD) to get off the sidelines and into the games. 

Use the link in our bio to make your donation. 

#SpecialOlympicsWA #IDMP #2XMatch #SOWA50
Alexa Marcelo and Maddie Depasquale are a powerful Alexa Marcelo and Maddie Depasquale are a powerful Unified Pair from Kamiak High School, where they co-lead the charge for inclusion through Unified sports and student leadership.

As Co-Captains of Kamiak’s Unified Bowling, Basketball, and Track teams and Co-Presidents of the Companions Unified Club, Alexa and Maddie are also leaders in the Washington State Youth Activation Committee—advocating for more inclusive opportunities for all.

Alexa first joined Unified after attending a “Pack the Stands” basketball game as a fan.

“I saw and felt the impact of inclusion in the room and knew I had to be a part of it.”

That decision changed everything. From life-long friendships to advocacy skills and leadership growth, Alexa and Maddie continue to show what it means to lead with heart.

“Special Olympics changed the trajectory of my life. I’ve learned to be myself while celebrating others for doing the same.”
 
Alexa Marcelo and Maddie Depasquale are a powerful Unified Pair from Kamiak High School, where they co-lead the charge for inclusion through Unified sports and student leadership.

As Co-Captains of Kamiak’s Unified Bowling, Basketball, and Track teams and Co-Presidents of the Companions Unified Club, Alexa and Maddie are also leaders in the Washington State Youth Activation Committee—advocating for more inclusive opportunities for all.

Alexa first joined Unified after attending a “Pack the Stands” basketball game as a fan.

“I saw and felt the impact of inclusion in the room and knew I had to be a part of it.”

That decision changed everything. From life-long friendships to advocacy skills and leadership growth, Alexa and Maddie continue to show what it means to lead with heart.

“Special Olympics changed the trajectory of my life. I’ve learned to be myself while celebrating others for doing the same.”

#SOWA50 #50thAnniversary
You can hear it in the cheers, the stories, the le You can hear it in the cheers, the stories, the leadership...it’s the Voices of Victory, and they’re rising loud and proud at Special Olympics Washington! 

This @SpecialOlympics Global Week of Inclusion, join us in celebrating the athletes and allies who are changing the game, on the court and off. Because when we listen to every voice, we build a world where everyone belongs. 

#VoicesOfVictory #ChooseToInclude #GlobalWeekofInclusion
🎉 We just launched a new hub for our Unified Ch 🎉 We just launched a new hub for our Unified Champion Schools programs, highlighting how schools across Washington are embracing inclusion from Pre-K to graduation.

 Check it out at the link in our bio.
Give to Special Olympics Washington to help more a Give to Special Olympics Washington to help more athletes hit the field and discover the power of sport in their lives! 

DOUBLE your impact and change a life through sport today, using the donation link in bio.

#SpecialOlympicsWA #SOWA50thAnniversary #GiveToday #InclusionRevolution
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