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50 Years Strong: Let’s Celebrate Inclusion, Community, and the Power of Sport
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By Rion Haber - February 14, 2017
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ABOUT THE CONTRIBUTOR

Rion Haber

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specialolympicswashington

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