Athletics

The sport of athletics encourages athletes of all abilities and ages to compete at their optimum level. Through the track-and-field-based athletics training program, participants can develop total fitness to compete in any sport. As with all Special Olympics sports, athletics offers athletes the opportunity to learn through skill development and competitive settings and to be involved in large social settings. Athletics Programs in Washington State include individual skills, sprints, walking, long distance runs, jumping events, field competitions and more.

Athletics programs and competitions are offered in all 16 of Special Olympics Washington’s areas, and provide opportunities for athletes of all ages and abilities.

Athletics was an event at the first Special Olympics International Games held in Chicago, Illinois in 1968.

Special Olympics Washington was honored to send Kellen Mendez, from Longview, to the 2023 World Games in Berlin.

Local Community Contacts

Basin Area Director
Tim Toon
Ttoon@sowa.org

Capitol Area Director
Cheyenne Baird
Cbaird@sowa.org

Cascade Area Director
Chad VanderPoel
Cvanderpoel@sowa.org

Columbia River Area Director
Cheyenne Terry
Cterry@sowa.org

King County Area Director
Chad VanderPoel
Cvanderpoel@sowa.org

North Central Area Director
Tim Toon
Ttoon@sowa.org

Northeast Area Director
Tim Toon
Ttoon@sowa.org

Peninsula Area Director
Cheyenne Baird
Cbaird@sowa.org

Pierce County Area Director
Cheyenne Baird
Cbaird@sowa.org

Southeast Area Director
Tim Toon
Ttoon@sowa.org

Tri-Cities Area Director
Tim Toon
Ttoon@sowa.org

Valley Area Director
Tim Toon
Ttoon@sowa.org

Walla Walla Area Director
Tim Toon
Ttoon@sowa.org

Upcoming Athletics Events