This summer has been nothing short of extraordinary.
As we mark our 50th anniversary, I’ve been reflecting on the moments — big and small — that remind me why this movement matters so much. From leadership gatherings to the Spring Games, the energy has been electric. But more than that, it’s been purposeful.
At the heart of it all is you — our athletes, families, volunteers, partners, and supporters. You’ve shown up with passion, embraced our vision of inclusion, and proven time and again that when we lead with dignity and joy, anything is possible.
And here’s the best part: we’re just getting started.
Spring Games Opening Ceremony at Cheney Stadium & State Games at University of Puget Sound
One of my favorite moments this season was kicking off the Spring Games with the Opening Ceremony at the Tacoma Rainiers game at Cheney Stadium.
Our athletes and Unified Partners stood proudly on the field, surrounded by their coaches and cheered on by a stadium full of fans. The pride was unmistakable in their smiles, their waves and high-fives, and in the way the community responded with genuine warmth and respect. It was more than the start of a new tradition. It was a celebration of belonging.
That energy carried right into the weekend as we hosted State Games competition at our new home, the University of Puget Sound. Athletes and Unified Partners competed at the highest level, cheered on by family, friends, and volunteers who filled the stands with encouragement. The campus came alive with color, movement, and connection; the perfect stage for our participants to showcase not just their skill, but their determination and joy.
This year also marked a historic milestone: our very first Inclusive Indigenous Games Showcase, honoring Native traditions and celebrating the rich cultural heritage of our Tribal communities. Co-created and led by two of our own athletes and proud Tribal members, Tyler Fryberg and Myron Swimmer. The event was a powerful reminder that inclusion means embracing every identity, every tradition, and every story that makes up our Special Olympics family. Watching Tyler and Myron lead with pride, purpose, and cultural wisdom reminded us all that when athletes are given the platform, they don’t just participate; they lead movements.
Sports Leadership Gathering – A Unified Vision
We kicked off the summer bringing together a powerhouse group of sports, civic, and corporate leaders. This wasn’t just another networking event — it was a rallying point for a bold, inclusive vision for the next 50 years of Special Olympics Washington.
Around the table sat team owners, business executives, city officials, and education leaders — all aligned on one thing: inclusion isn’t a trend or a checkbox. It’s a responsibility. Together, we committed to expanding access and opportunity for all 200,000 people in Washington with intellectual and developmental disabilities (IDD) who want an opportunity to participate in sports, health, leadership and community.
Left to right: Matthew Alexander, Mary Do, Simon Van Giesen, Angela Martin, Lavanya Guhan, Doug Baldwin, Jr., Michael Ronan, Sean Ponich and Katie McKeown
There was a shared sense of urgency in the room. Many pledged deeper commitments including donations, but just as importantly, they pledged to lead differently. “Be honest, be curious, and have grace” became a guiding mantra for how leaders can model inclusion from the top down.
Athletes also shared their hopes for the future, including one powerful vision: that Special Olympics Washington becomes a springboard for individuals with IDD to access meaningful employment through professional partnerships.
When 50-year veteran athlete, Angela Martin shared her wish for Special Olympics Washington’s future, “All I care about is being included. Special Olympics means everything to all of us — the athletes who just want to be ourselves.” The room fell silent. Moments later, a longtime partner approached me and pledged a $50,000 gift.
That humility. That curiosity. That unshakable belief in inclusion and that swift reminder that this organization exists to create a world where every person is seen, valued, and celebrated — will carry us forward into the next 50 years.
Raising the Flag for Inclusion at the Space Needle
On July 22, we raised the Special Olympics Washington flag above the Space Needle. It was a moment of visibility, pride, and joy — and a powerful symbol of what this 50th year represents.
Athletes stood shoulder to shoulder with civic leaders, media, mascots, and longtime as well as new supporters: Kasey Keller, Alisha Valavanis , Erika Tucci, Ethan Stowell, Sara Osborne, Lofa Tatupu, Mario D. Bailey, Scott Mercer and Bob Benoit — each of them showed up not just as influential voices, but as allies. As believers. As champions of the Special Olympics movement..
It wasn’t just a celebration; it was a declaration. We’re here. We’re proud. And this is just the beginning. As I looked across the skyline and out over the city, I felt an overwhelming sense of pride, but also a clear reminder: the work is far from done. This moment was powerful, but it’s only a stepping stone toward the inclusive future we’re building together.
The Road Ahead
We’ve raised the flag, but the movement is just beginning.
As we celebrate these moments, our team is relentlessly focused; working side by side with our incredible volunteers and athlete leaders to transform them into lasting change. Grounded in the voices of our athletes, families, and volunteers, and building on the lessons and progress of the past 50 years, we are shaping bold, multi-year strategic priorities that reflect the needs and dreams of our community. This movement is more than programs or events; it is a lifeline for so many of our athletes. And together, we are creating something that isn’t a one-day celebration, but lasts a lifetime in every community across Washington.
Step into this moment and help shape the future of inclusion. Your support today will ensure that every athlete has the chance to shine tomorrow. Ahead of us are even more moments to celebrate and connect:
🏀 August 13 – Special Olympics Washington Night at the Seattle Storm:Join nearly 500 athletes, Unified Partners, families and supporters as we cheer on the Storm and spotlight the power of partnership in action.
✨ October 3 – The Gold Gala — an unforgettable night of impact and inspiration.
❄️ The Polar Plunge — where brave souls dive in for inclusion – COMING SOON!
🎖️ And the journey toward the 2026 USA Games — Congratulations to the following athletes and teams representing Washington!
To everyone who has walked with us so far: thank you. Thank you for believing in the power of inclusion. Thank you for making joy and dignity possible for every athlete.
Join Our Journey
We invite you to join us in building that future. In celebration of our 50th anniversary, make a gift that honors our history and invests in the next generation of athletes. Together, we can ensure that inclusion isn’t just a moment, but a movement that lasts a lifetime. Donate, invest, volunteer and partner with us.
