Visit the Homepage for Special Olympics Washington Website
Donate
  1. Athlete Hotline
  2. Shop
  1. Participate
  2. Events
  3. Sports
  4. LETR
  5. Volunteer
  6. About
  1. Athlete Hotline
  2. Shop
  1. I'd like to
  2. become an athlete
  3. become a Unified partner
  4. become a volunteer
  5. become a coach
  6. find a local community
  7. make a donation
  8. connect to initiatives
  9. learn about health initiatives
  1. Become an Athlete
  2. Unified Champion Schools
  3. SO College
  4. Sports Results
  5. East Region Sports
  6. Southwest Region Sports
  7. Northwest Region Sports
  1. Alpine
  2. Athletics
  3. Basketball
  4. Bocce
  5. Bowling
  6. Cheerleading
  7. Cross Country Skiing
  8. Cycling
  1. Figure Skating
  2. Flag Football
  3. Golf
  4. Men's Artistic Gymnastics
  5. Powerlifting
  6. Snowboarding
  7. Snowshoeing
  8. Soccer
  1. Softball
  2. Speedskating
  3. Stand Up Paddle Boarding
  4. Swimming
  5. Team Washington
  6. Tennis
  7. Volleyball
  8. Women's Artistic Gymnastics
  9. Unified Sports
  10. Young Athletes
  1. Law Enforcement Torch Run Campaign
  2. Signature Events
  3. Press Room
  4. Torch Run
  5. Contact
  6. LETR Resources
  1. Events Calendar
  2. Find a local community
  1. About
  2. Blog
  3. Contact
Back
I'd like to
  1. become an athlete
  2. become a Unified partner
  3. become a volunteer
  4. become a coach
  5. find a local community
  6. make a donation
  7. connect to initiatives
  8. learn about health initiatives
Volunteer with Us
Learn More
  1. Alpine
  2. Athletics
  3. Basketball
  4. Bocce
  5. Bowling
  6. Cheerleading
  7. Cross Country Skiing
  8. Cycling
  1. Figure Skating
  2. Flag Football
  3. Golf
  4. Men's Artistic Gymnastics
  5. Powerlifting
  6. Snowboarding
  7. Snowshoeing
  8. Soccer
  1. Softball
  2. Speedskating
  3. Stand Up Paddle Boarding
  4. Swimming
  5. Team Washington
  6. Tennis
  7. Volleyball
  8. Women's Artistic Gymnastics
  9. Unified Sports
  10. Young Athletes
  1. Become an Athlete
  2. Unified Champion Schools
  3. SO College
  4. Sports Results
  5. East Region Sports
  6. Southwest Region Sports
  7. Northwest Region Sports
  1. Law Enforcement Torch Run Campaign
  2. Signature Events
  3. Press Room
  4. Torch Run
  5. Contact
  6. LETR Resources
LETR Final Leg
Learn More
  1. Events Calendar
  2. Find a local community
Event
Calendar
View Calendar
  1. About
  2. Blog
  3. Contact
Special Olympics Washington Night At the Mariners
View Latest Post
spring games healthy hearing
By Rebecca Hummer - November 08, 2023
  • 213 views
  • Listen to this article Pause the Article Resume the Article

ABOUT THE CONTRIBUTOR

Rebecca Hummer

Rebecca Hummer is the Senior Marketing Manager at Special Olympics Washington.

Follow Us

specialolympicswashington

Special Olympics Washington BUILDS communities and LEADS in Wellness through Sports and Inclusion.
As part of our 50th Anniversary celebration, we’ As part of our 50th Anniversary celebration, we’re sharing 50 stories that shaped Special Olympics Washington—leading up to the 2025 State Spring Games. Before stadiums, ceremonies, and statewide celebrations, Special Olympics Washington began in the most humble of places: a backyard track meet. In the early 1970s, a group of passionate parents, educators, and volunteers came together to host small, informal competitions for athletes with intellectual disabilities. One of the earliest events looked more like a neighborhood picnic than a state tournament—but the energy, joy, and determination were the same. From that grassroots beginning, the movement grew. Local programs started sprouting up across the state, eventually joining together to form what is now Special Olympics Washington—a thriving community of athletes, families, coaches, and supporters from every corner of the state. What started as a single afternoon of track races in a backyard has turned into decades of unified competition, personal breakthroughs, and lifelong friendships. Celebrate how far we’ve come by donating $50 today to help build the next 50 years of joy, inclusion, and momentum using the link in our bio. #SpecialOlympicsWA #50thAnniversary #50StoriesFor50Years
Don’t miss your chance to be part of Special Oly Don’t miss your chance to be part of Special Olympics Washington’s 50th Anniversary Night at @tmobilepark. Join us on Monday, June 16 as we celebrate 50 years of inclusion, community, and the incredible athletes of Special Olympics Washington—alongside the @mariners. For every ticket purchased through our special link, $5 will support Special Olympics Washington programs across the state. Plus, you’ll have the chance to receive a Mariners-themed Special Olympics Washington 50th Anniversary T-shirt, available while supplies last. Tickets range from $45–$62. The deadline to purchase is Thursday, June 13 at 5 p.m. Click the link in our bio to get your tickets! #SOWA50 #Mariners #TMobilePark #MarinersGame #SpecialOlympicsNight
As we celebrate 50 years of Special Olympics Washi As we celebrate 50 years of Special Olympics Washington, we’re sharing 50 stories of athletes, coaches, and volunteers whose lives have been shaped by inclusion—leading up to the 2025 State Spring Games. For 30 years, Jason Mayer has been a dedicated coach with Special Olympics Washington. He currently coaches basketball, but over the years has also coached volleyball, softball, roller skating, swimming, and track and field. It all started when a high school baseball teammate invited him to a 7 AM Saturday swim practice. “From that first practice, I was hooked,” Jason says. Since then, Special Olympics has become a cornerstone of his life—shaping his values, his career, and his outlook on the world. “Coaching taught me patience, empathy, and the joy of celebrating every small victory,” he says. It even inspired him to become a teacher. One of his most cherished memories? Watching his basketball team qualify for state and win gold in Wenatchee—but more than that, it’s the laughter, the bonding, and the off-court moments that he treasures most. “Special Olympics has filled my life with purpose, joy, and lifelong friendships,” Jason says. “To any young person thinking about volunteering, I say jump in with both feet—it’ll transform your life.” Support coaches like Jason by donating $50 to help fuel the next 50 years of mentorship, inclusion, and unforgettable moments. Click the link in our bio to donate. #SpecialOlympicsWA #50thAnniversary #50StoriesFor50Years
As we celebrate 50 years of Special Olympics Washi As we celebrate 50 years of Special Olympics Washington, we’re sharing 50 stories of athletes, coaches, and volunteers who bring our mission to life—leading up to the 2025 State Spring Games. Amy Owens has been part of Special Olympics Washington since 1992, representing the BKATs with pride and passion. She first joined to build confidence and grow into the best version of herself. Over the years, Special Olympics helped her believe in her abilities—not just as an athlete, but as a person. A big part of Amy’s journey is rooted in family. Her dad was a beloved coach in the BKATs program and also her Unified golf partner. When he passed away after a battle with multiple cancers, Amy carried forward his spirit and love for the game. “I love my dad so much,” she says. “He was an excellent coach—and Coach Barb Pool always reminds me how much he meant to the team.” Since then, Amy has continued to grow, deepening her bond with her mom and staying active in the program that’s helped shape her path. “Special Olympics helped me believe in myself,” she says. Celebrate athletes like Amy with a $50 gift to help build the next 50 years of inclusion, connection, and community. Donate here using the link in bio. #SpecialOlympicsWA #50thAnniversary #50StoriesFor50Years
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
Follow on Instagram

Contact Us

  • 2815 Second Avenue Suite 370 Seattle, WA 98121
  • P: (206) 362-4949

Get in Touch

Latest Posts

Special Olympics Washington Night At the Mariners

Help Us Celebrate 50 Years by Sharing Your Story

Sports Advancement Update

Tags

  • Fundraisers
  • Inclusive Health
  • LETR
  • Lewis County
  • SOWA News
  • State Games
  • Torch Run
  • training
  • Unified Champion Schools

Leave a Reply

Your email address will not be published. Required fields are marked *

Stay informed

Get all the latest news, notes, sporting results and event information!

  1. About Us
  2. Press Room
  3. Partners
  4. Privacy Policy
  5. Sitemap
  6. Contact
  1. Phone (206) 362-4949
  2. Fax (206) 361-8158
  3. sowa@sowa.org

2815 Second Avenue
Suite 370
Seattle, WA 98121

Friend Special Olympics Washington on Facebook Connect with Special Olympics Washington on LinkedIn Check out Special Olympics Washington on YouTube Check out Special Olympics Washington on Instagram

© 2025 Special Olympics Washington
All Rights Reserved.