Special Olympics Washington

We’re excited to share highlights from the American Public Health Association (APHA) conference! The team presented on the Rosemary Collaborative, discussing healthcare access and health outcomes for Washingtonians with IDD, along with proposed interventions to drive meaningful change. This important work wouldn’t be possible without the expertise of Dr. Jae Kennedy from WSU Elson S. Floyd College of Medicine—his contributions have been instrumental. A big thank you to the incredible panel of advocates and experts, including Annu Singleton, Special Olympics Maryland Athlete & Health Messenger, and leaders from Special Olympics and public health. Together, they are shaping the future of #InclusiveHealth.

For our athletes, health isn’t just about performance—it’s about quality of life. The Alliance for Inclusive Health is helping athletes with IDD access the care they need to thrive both in sports and in everyday life. Thank you to Virginia Mason Franciscan Health for their unwavering commitment to this initiative! Learn more at bit.ly/4eshdf5! #AIH #VMFH #SpecialOlympicsWA

We're beyond proud of our athletes Lizzy, Michelle, Devon, and Ivanova for their incredible contributions at UW Medicine's Standardized Patient Education Day on October 16! Their participation helps ensure a future of inclusive and compassionate healthcare for all. ???? #SpecialOlympicsWA #StandardizedPatientEducation #InclusiveHealthcare #InclusionRevolution University of Washington

For our athletes, access to inclusive healthcare means more than just doctor visits—it’s about dignity, respect, and being treated with the care they deserve. The Alliance for Inclusive Health, led by charter member Virginia Mason Franciscan Health, is breaking down barriers and creating a future where every individual with IDD receives the healthcare they need. Learn more at bit.ly/4eshdf5 #AIH #VMFH #SpecialOlympicsWA

Thank you, Seattle Storm and Washington State Department of Health for hosting a fantastic basketball clinic for our athletes and Unified partners. When we all come together to #PlayUnified, incredible things happen in our schools and in our communities.?

The Sunday Spotlight series has been a regular feature on our social media channels since 2019. Over the years, we’ve featured hundreds in the Special Olympics Washington community, but we know there are still so many more athletes and volunteers who deserve the spotlight. Help us recognize outstanding athletes and volunteers in your area by nominating someone today. You can nominate an athlete or volunteer by one of two ways: Send an email to [email protected] with the name and contact information for your nominee and our Marketing team will follow up with them. Submit responses to the following questions along with 2-3 photos to [email protected]. Spotlight Nominee Questions ? First and last name ? Pronouns ? Athlete: What team do you play for? ? Volunteer: In what ways do you volunteer for Special Olympics? ? How long have you been competing/involved? ? Why did you want to join/get involved with Special Olympics? ? How has Special Olympics changed your life? ? Optional: What is a Special Olympics memory you will never forget? ? Optional: What are your future goals as an athlete? We are looking forward to highlighting all the amazing people in our area! #SpecialOlympicsWA #SundaySpotlight #AthleteSpotlight

Congratulations to our October UCS School of the Month: Rogers High School in Spokane! Rogers has experienced remarkable growth in its Unified basketball program over the past few years. What began as a single season with a small group of athletes has blossomed into a vibrant multi-sport initiative. Now, they proudly offer several Unified sports, including soccer, bowling, basketball, and pickleball, engaging a diverse and enthusiastic group of athletes and Unified partners. Rogers’ Unified program is actively involved in various school activities, participating in sports assemblies, celebrations, and their interschool Spirit Game. This year, their students and the entire school community are motivated and energized to qualify for state! The progress they’ve made reflects their commitment to inclusion and support, fostering an environment where all athletes can thrive and compete together. #PlayUnified #UnifiedGeneration #ChooseToInclude #UnifiedChampionSchools #SchoolOfTheMonth

What an incredible time we had at the 2024 Tasting Room – all thanks to your amazing support! Whether you joined us in person or cheered from afar, your support will help us create a more inclusive Washington for all. We're thrilled to announce that this year's event raised over $625,000 and the count is still climbing. These funds will empower athletes, broaden sports horizons, and bring programming to underserved communities. Looking to help us make an even bigger impact? Don’t forget to check with your employer about corporate matching! Every matched dollar helps build a brighter, more inclusive future for our athletes here in Washington. Contribute today at bit.ly/TastingRoom24 A heartfelt thank you to our incredible sponsors, Alaska Airlines and Kaiser Permanente for making this night possible. #SpecialOlympicsWA #InclusionMatters #TastingRoom24

Today on Indigenous Peoples Day, we honor and celebrate the rich histories, cultures, and contributions of Native and Indigenous communities across the country. Through our Beyond Gold initiative, we are privileged to collaborate with the Nisqually Indian Tribe, Muckleshoot Tribal School, Tulalip Tribes, and Yakama Nation, working together to uplift and empower Indigenous youth through sports, inclusion, and education. We are grateful for these partnerships and the opportunity to support and learn from Indigenous voices. Watch this inspiring video produced by Special Olympics International, featuring the Nisqually Tribe and their work with the Young Athletes program bit.ly/402OiKG #BeyondGold #SpecialOlympicsWA #IndigenousPeoplesDay

When individuals with IDD receive proper healthcare, our whole community thrives. The Alliance for Inclusive Health is working to bridge gaps in accessibility and ensure that no one is left behind. We’re grateful to Virginia Mason Franciscan Health for being a vital part of this initiative! Together, we are creating healthier futures for all. Learn more at bit.ly/4eshdf5. #AIH #VMFH #SpecialOlympicsWA