1975 - 2025: 50 Years of Special Olympics in Washington State

This year, Special Olympics Washington is celebrating 50 years of fostering inclusion, empowering individuals with intellectual disabilities, and inspiring communities to create a world of endless possibilities for people of all abilities.

Through our beloved sports programs, innovative health initiatives and athlete leadership training, Special Olympics Washington creates opportunities for children and adults with intellectual disabilities to lead healthier lives, develop skills, and build meaningful community connections. By breaking down barriers and challenging stigmas, Special Olympics enables people with intellectual disabilities to share their unique gifts and talents with the world.

Special Olympics Washington is a constant in the lives of our athletes. For individuals with intellectual disabilities, Special Olympics is often the only place where they can participate in sports training, health education, and leadership opportunities in their communities. The need to continue our programs is more vital than ever.

Proceeds from the Dream House Raffle have enabled Special Olympics Washington to unlock financial constraints and open doors to new programs, more athletes, and even more reach across the state. Your support of the Dream House Raffle is pivotal to fueling our next 50 years of inclusion and empowerment for people with intellectual disabilities.

Thank you for being a part of our legacy and our future.

Visit SpecialOlympicsWashington.org to learn more about how you can expand your impact.

Special Olympics Washington At-a-Glance

• 12,175 Athletes & Unified Partners
• 8,092 Volunteers
• 606 Free Health Screenings
• 1,339 Coaches
• 21 Sports Offered
• 86 Year-Round Competitions
• 145 Unified Champion Schools
• 75,000+ Washington youth who've pledged to "Choose to Include"

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.