Special Olympics Washington is a Catalyst for Inclusion!

Thanks to your support of the Dream House Raffle, Special Olympics Washington can continue to empower children and adults with intellectual disabilities to be valued on and off the playing field.

Since launching the Dream House Raffle in 2014, proceeds have enabled Special Olympics Washington to unlock financial constraints and open doors to new programs, more athletes, and even more reach across the state. Thanks to the Dream House Raffle we have:

• Ramped up our athlete leadership programs and athlete health initiatives.
• Partnered and trained hundreds of physicians and healthcare professionals, and provided thousands of free health screenings and referrals for athletes.
• In the face of the pandemic, we reimagined our traditional in-person practices and competitions, into virtual programs to keep athletes active and engaged safely from home. To supplement our virtual programs, we provided at-home training kits filled with athletic gear to thousands of athletes.
• Increased the number of Unified Champion Schools in Washington - from elementary to college - to more than 180 schools.
• Sent 75 Washington athletes to the 2022 Special Olympics USA Games in Orlando and two athletes to the 2023 Special Olympics World Games in Berlin where they competed in our movement's flagship sporting events and served as ambassadors for our state.

As we return to pre-pandemic levels of competition and program delivery, one thing remains clear: Special Olympics Washington is a constant in the lives of our athletes. For individuals with intellectual disabilities in Washington, Special Olympics is often the only place where they can participate in physical activity, health education, and sports in their communities. The need to continue our programs is more vital than ever.

Our Mission

To provide year-round sports training and athletic competition in a variety of Olympic-type sports for children and adults with intellectual disabilities, giving them continuing opportunities to develop physical fitness, demonstrate courage, experience joy and participate in a sharing of gifts, skills and friendship with their families, other Special Olympics athletes and the community.

Participation

Children and adults with intellectual disabilities, regardless of ability level, may participate in programs offered by Special Olympics Washington. Individuals are eligible for training and competition at age eight and there is no upper age limit. Thousands of athletes, Unified partners and other participants are involved in Special Olympics Washington activities statewide. Globally, more than 3.7 million participants compete in Special Olympics programs in more than 200 countries and jurisdictions.

No matter the person's age or skill level, Special Olympics Washington has something for everyone with intellectual disabilities. We deliver high-quality, year-round competition and training opportunities in an inclusive culture that rewards determination, emphasizes health, brings together communities and celebrates personal achievement.

Sports, Training & Competition

In addition to more than 20 sports offerings, Special Olympics Washington provides 180+ competitions year-round. Competitions take place at local, regional and state tournaments. From athletics (track and field) and soccer to bowling and flag football, individuals and teams compete in divisions according to age, gender and ability.

Inclusive Health Initiatives

Caring for the whole health of athletes is one of Special Olympics Washington's top priorities. People with intellectual disabilities face significant challenges in accessing quality health care and obtaining opportunities that promote fitness and wellness, resulting in pronounced health disparities and reduced life expectancy. Special Olympics Washington works with physicians and healthcare professionals trained in treating individuals with intellectual disabilities to provide vital health screenings for dental, vision, hearing, podiatry and overall wellness at no cost to athletes or their families.

Athlete Leadership

Athletes are provided the opportunity to expand personal growth — from coaching and officiating, to public speaking and volunteering. Athletes also have the opportunity to provide vital feedback to Special Olympics Washington through state-wide Athlete Leadership Councils.

Youth Activation & Unified Champion Schools

Special Olympics youth initiatives promote social inclusion through school-based sports, leadership and whole-school engagement opportunities. Powered by an engaged youth community, students with and without intellectual disabilities work together to train and compete, and create communities of acceptance. More than 75,000 Washington students - with and without intellectual disabilities - have taken the pledge to "Choose to Include."

Volunteers

Thousands of volunteers support Special Olympics Washington activities. Volunteers serve as coaches, sports officials, committee members and on-site volunteers at competitions and fundraising events. Coaches and officials are trained and certified at clinics offered by Special Olympics Washington.

Funding

Special Olympics Washington is a registered 501(c) (3) non-profit organization supported entirely by individual, corporate and foundation contributions. Athletes participate at no cost to themselves or their families.