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2026 USA Games: Meet the Athletes Representing Washington
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Unified Sports Experience-Bocce
By Rion Haber - October 17, 2016
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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.

Sean Pugh has been part of Special Olympics Washin Sean Pugh has been part of Special Olympics Washington for four decades, and his journey is full of milestones. What started with a love for meeting new people and the thrill of competition has grown into a lifelong commitment to sports, leadership, and inclusion.

Through Special Olympics, Sean found confidence, community, and purpose. He’s made lasting friendships and learned from outstanding coaches who believed in him every step of the way. A standout memory is representing Team USA in softball at the 1999 World Summer Games in North Carolina, and later competing at the 2007 Canada Cup.

Sean is a dedicated leader both on and off the field. He has served on the Special Olympics Washington Board of Directors, been a proud member of the Athlete Leadership Council in Thurston County, and even served as MC for the Breakfast of Champions twice.

Today, Sean continues to compete with the Thurston County Fast and Furious track team and bowling program. He also serves as a Health Messenger to help promote wellness and inclusion.

“Special Olympics built my confidence in many ways,” he says. “I never thought I’d speak in front of hundreds of people. It’s changed my life.”

#SOWA50 #50thAnniversary
Did you know? After just 2 months in Young Athlete Did you know? After just 2 months in Young Athletes, children show a 7-month gain in motor skills.

And that’s just the beginning. 

Young Athletes is a free, inclusive play-based program that helps children ages 2–7 build foundational skills through movement, fun, and friendship.

Learn how this program supports early development and how easy it is to bring it to your school or community at the link in our bio.
We are deeply grateful to everyone who joined us f We are deeply grateful to everyone who joined us for the Leadership Gathering that took place yesterday, June 17.

We’re especially grateful to our amazing panelists: Matt Alexander, our host and moderator, @EY_US Partner, and Special Olympics Washington Board Member; Doug Baldwin Jr., CEO of Vault 89 and @Seahawks legend; and Michael Ronan, a former board member and proud Special Olympics Washington parent. Your insights and stories made the evening meaningful and inspiring.

Whether you came to support our athletes, represent staff, serve as a board member, or simply stand with us, your presence made a difference.

This gathering wasn’t just a celebration, it was a renewed commitment to the next 50 years of impact and inclusion. Thank you for leading with purpose and heart!

#LeadershipGathering #SpecialOlympicsWA #SOWA50 #TogetherWeLead
Nothing but good vibes and big wins at the Special Nothing but good vibes and big wins at the Special Olympics Washington — let’s go!

#SpecialOlympicsWA #ChampionEnergy
YOUR GIFT MATCHED: In honor of 50 transformative y YOUR GIFT MATCHED: In honor of 50 transformative years of Special Olympics Washington, help us reach our goal of $5,000 raised for people with Intellectual and Developmental Disabilities (IDD). 

Your donation today will help countless amounts of people defy expectations on and off the field. ⚡️

See the link in bio for more details. 

#SpecialOlympicsWA #IDMP #2XMatch #SOWA50
Tonight’s Special Olympics Washington Leadership Tonight’s Special Olympics Washington Leadership Gathering reminded us what true inclusion looks like. 

Together, we’re building a world where everyone belongs. 

How do you show up? 

#SpecialOlympicsWa #LeadershipGathering #InclusionRevolution
Let’s celebrate the people who made this year un Let’s celebrate the people who made this year unforgettable! 

These shoutouts came straight from the heart—shared by Unified School liaisons across Washington through their end-of-year reports. And we 100% agree… these folks crushed it!

Over the next few weeks, we’re highlighting amazing educators & staff, dedicated coaches & volunteers, standout Unified Schools, community MVP's and supportive leaders. 

Got someone in mind? Tag your champions and spread the love! 

#UnifiedShoutouts #InclusionRevolution #SpecialOlympicsWA #UnifiedSports #ThankYouChampions
Big news! Our new Referral Network helps connect i Big news! Our new Referral Network helps connect individuals with intellectual and developmental disabilities to inclusive healthcare providers across Washington.

This is a game-changer for our athletes and community.

Check it out using the link in our bio! 

#InclusiveHealth
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
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