Special Sections - 2018 Special Olypmics

FEATURING | THE DEBUT OF ESPORTS ONE BIG CHOIR ATHLETE SPOTLIGHTS AN UNFORGETTABLE CHEER SQUAD FULL SCHEDULE OF SPECIAL EVENTS & COMPETITION n

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SPONSORED GUIDE TO THE GAMES

2018 SPECIAL

OLYMPICS JULY 1-6 IN SEATTLE

USA GAMES

2018 SPECIAL OLYMPICS USA GAMES

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LET THE GAMES BEGIN!

his year marks the 50th anniversary of the Special Olympics, a movement that was launched by Eunice Kennedy Shriver to create opportunities for children with intellectual disabilities to compete in sports. And for the first time, the Seattle area gets a front-row seat to the action. As host of the Special Olympics USA Games, the city will welcome 4,000 athletes who will compete in 14 different sports at locations throughout the region, July 1-6.

This is a big deal for our local athletes and communities. The Special Olympics embodies the power of the human spirit to overcome obstacles. The Games inspire greatness and they change lives, shining a light on personal achievement while serving as the ultimate example of inclusion and sportsmanship.

With that in mind, Sound Publishing is proud to be an official media partner for the 2018 Special Olympics USA Games.

Special thanks goes to Boeing for supporting the production of this guide to the 2018 USA Games. On the following pages, you’ll find stories about the people who make the games possible, profiles of local athletes who are already champions in their communities, and a complete schedule to the games.

Thank you for supporting the Special Olympics, whose mission remains as vital today as it was 50 years ago.

Josh O’Connor President, Sound Publishing

Welcome!

2018 Special Olympics USA Games July 1 - 6 King County Metro and Sound Transit are proud to be the Official Transportation Partners for this world-class competition.

The more than 4,000 talented athletes and coaches are an inspiration to us all.

Dates to Remember LAW ENFORCEMENT TORCH RUN JUNE 27 - JULY 1 For the final leg of the torch run, dozens of law enforcement officers and some athletes will run with the Special Olympics Flame of Hope through the state and to Husky Stadium to light the cauldron at the Opening Ceremony on July 1.

FAN ZONE JULY 1-6 Everyone is welcome here, where music, exhibits, and activities will be on hand.

Husky Stadium North Plaza.

9 a.m.-12 p.m. & 3-6 p.m., July 1; 9 a.m.-9 p.m., July 2-3; 9 a.m.-4 p.m., July 4-6

WELCOME DAYS JUNE 29-30 Fans are invited to welcome 4,000 athletes, coaches and delegate as they arrive.

Seatac International Airport

HEALTHY ATHLETES JULY 1-6 Health professionals provide free health screenings and information for athletes. Husky Union Building. 6-8:30 p.m., July 1; 2-8 p.m., July 2-3; 11 a.m.-4 p.m., July 4-6

SOUNDERS VS. TIMBERS JUNE 30 Major League Soccer helps kick off the games with a celebration during this rivalry matchup. Fans will receive a limited edition scarf. Centurylink Field

XBOX GAMING TOURNAMENT JULY 2 Eight teams will compete head to head in Forza Motorsport 7. 1-4 p.m., Lyceum Room, Husky Union Building.

OPENING CEREMONY JULY 1 Watch the Parade of Athletes and listen to performances by Charlie Puth, Marshmello, Allen Stone, Ann Wilson of Heart, Massive Monkees and a 2,018-member choir. Taye Diggs emcees.

Note that only clear bags will be allowed into the stadium. 12:30 p.m., $20, Husky Stadium

FUTURE OF INCLUSION FORUM JULY 2 Communitiy leaders will join Tim Shriver, chairman of Special Olympics International, to lead an evening dedicated to inclusion, sharing actions and policies that are helping to open doors.

7-8:30 p.m., The Bagley Wright Theatre at Seattle Repertory Theatre, $20.

SPECIAL OLYMPICS TOWN JULY 1-5 For athletes only, this locale offers entertainment and activities. Husky Union Building. Daily, 3-9 p.m.; closed July 4

UNIFIED SPORTS EXPERIENCE JULY 2-3 Witness the power of inclusion as athletes compete alongside business leaders and celebrities. Various locations.

YOUNG ATHLETES FESTIVAL JULY 2-3, 5 Athletes ages 2 to 7 and their families are invited to start their own sports journey with resources and guidance for parents.

Seattle Center. (10 a.m.2 p.m., July 2-3); University of Washington (10 a.m.2 p.m., July 5) YOUTH LEADERSHIP EXPERIENCE JULY 2-5 Young adults of varying abilities come together to discuss how to create more inclusive communities. For participants only. TBA USA GAMES FAMILY 4TH JULY 4 Delegations gather to celebrate Independence Day with a picnic and a dance party. TBA. 5-9 p.m.

USA GAMES NIGHT AT SAFECO FIELD JULY 5 The Mariners will celebrate the athletes, coaches and support staff that make the games possible during this matchup against the Los Angeles Angels of Anaheim.

Safeco Field. Prices vary.

CLOSING CEREMONY JULY 6 A jam-packed exhilarating week comes to an end with a celebration featuring street performers and food trucks, as well as a performance from Seattle band Hey Marseilles. 7 p.m., Lake Union Park, Free.

To the scholar-athletes participating in the 2018 Special Olympics USA Games

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We believe

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2018 SPECIAL OLYMPICS USA GAMES

LA-LA-LA-LOGISTICS

The Opening Ceremony will feature a massive choir of 2,018 singers. How are they going to pull that off?

another original dubbed “Warriors” from Seattle-based R&B singer and musician Allen Stone, who will also be performing as part of the Opening Ceremony.

Wadleigh says the material is straightforward and easy to pick up for those who

By Josh Kelety don’t have organized choral experience, jkelety@soundpublishing.com adding that if someone registers online, they can gain access to materials for the songs erculean efforts are not uncom(including the lyrics, audio of the songs, and mon in Olympic competition. the musical notation).

But usually these feats take place “Somebody who just wants to come on the track, in the pool, or on the playing participate, they can just come sing the field. For this year’s Special Olympics USA melody. … If you put a solid couple of hours Games, organizers are undertaking a differ- into it, you’d be fluent,” Wadleigh said. ent kind of challenge: getting 2,018 people The ensemble’s first rehearsal was held to turn out and sing in the choir that will on May 12 at the Performing Arts and Event open the Games on July 1.

Center of Federal Way, attracting around Per the event organizers, the 2,018300 people. Assisted by facility staff and person ensemble will be composed of both armed with a microphone to conduct formal, organized regional community call-and-responses with the assembled choirs and interested individuals—regardsingers, Wadleigh said it went “surprisless of their level of formal training or expeingly smoothly.” “They learned quickly. In rience in organized singing. about two and half hours It sounds like a logistical we knocked out the whole nightmare, but Rafe Wadleprogram. I was pretty igh, a Tacoma-based choir happy,” he said, addingt that director who is leading the “you could tell that the attitude in the room was super effort, is extremely optimistic that they’ll be able to positive, everyone is in pull it off. ‘make it work mode’.”

“It’s going to be pretty It helped that a number sweet,” he says. “The event of local choirs turned out to obviously celebrates incluparticipate. sion and acceptance and “A bunch of [the choirs] through organizing a big came out. It was kind of like choir, which isn’t essenall these motorcycle gangs tially elite choral musicians rolled in, they all have their … that is truly a commugear, throwing a little sidenity choir.” eye around. But man they Wadleigh, who is the really all came together,” director of choir music Wadleigh said. at the Middle and Upper In addition to smaller Schools at Charles Wright community choirs, Wadleigh hopes to get the in-house Academy in Tacoma, said choirs of local companies that since first putting like Starbucks and Amazon the call out for singers to get on-board as well. several months ago they’ve While still short of the garnered around 600 choir desired 2,018 people for participants. the choir, Wadleigh thinks “We’ve got everyone Rafe Wadleigh, that the Special Olympics from local choral orgaChoir Director promotional and volunnizations to a mom who teer organizing teams will says, ‘I wanna do that, can I bring my kids’,” he said. “It’s an everybody be able to get the word out and generate interest closer to the actual date of the thing.”

The plan for the choir is to sing three songs event.

The next rehearsal will again be held at as well as perform a “sound collage,” such as the Federal Way center on June 23, followed mimicking the sound of a rainstorm. by a dress rehearsal at Husky Stadium on “The opening ceremony, the staging June 30. Even if they’ve missed the two of it is quite artsy. There might be some rehearsals in Federal Way, people can still moments for the choir to literally make sing in the opening ceremony as long as some cool sounds,” Wadleigh said.

Wadleigh says that the songs are “There’s they make it to the dress rehearsal.

“Really, anyone is welcome and should a River Flowing in My Soul”—a piece from be able to hang,” Wadleigh said. the Unitarian Universalist hymnal written by Rose Sanders, Alabama’s first black judge—an original work from Wadleigh Interested in singing in the choir? Register at himself titled “My Heart is on Fire” and specialolympicsusagames.org/choir.

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Athlete Spotlight

DEVON ADELMAN Presented by Devon Adelman, a 21-year-old competitor, is one of the athletes who relies on Kaiser Permanente to help keep her healthy as she strives to achieve her athletic goals.

Adelman is standing up for what she believes in, literally. She’s competing in stand-up paddleboarding at the USA Games, and she’s also serving as a Special Olympics Ambassador for the Games.

“Seattle will show the world that it’s a city of inclusion,” she said proudly.

Adelman discovered her love of stand-up paddleboarding last summer.

“I’ve skied a lot and I play soccer. I have natural balance, so stand-up paddleboarding came pretty easily to me,” she said. “I love getting out in nature, and paddleboarding is a great way to make new friends.”

So is Special Olympics, she said.

“I found out about Special Olympics when I was a sophomore in high school.

I was being bullied at school, but Special Olympics gave me a whole new family of friends and helped me feel better about myself,” she said. “It’s been an amazing, fantastic part of my life ever since.”

Advocating for people with intellectual disabilities led Adelman to deliver a

keynote address to the United Nations on World Down Syndrome Day in 2015. Her other passions include marine biology, and she’s one of the first people with Down syndrome to get a scuba certification.

Adelman has a message for everyone with intellectual disabilities: “Believe in yourself and follow your dreams and your heart.” And for everyone else: “Don’t judge us by our disabilities. We’re just like you. See our abilities instead.”

Kaiser Permanente, the official health partner of the 2018 Special Olympics USA Games, is also the health care provider for many of the athletes. Learn more at kp.org/specialolympics.

When she isn’t paddleboarding, Devon Adelman enjoys studying marine biology.

“I was pretty happy. You could tell that the attitude in the room was super positive, everyone is in a ‘make it work’ mode.”

Coordinated Care congratulates each of the more than 4,000 amazing athletes who have earned their way to #2018USAGames.

Follow us @CoordinatedCare

ChooseCoordinatedCare.com

2018 SPECIAL OLYMPICS USA GAMES

Athlete Spotlight

LIZZIE ENRIQUEZ-ORTIZ Presented by

Lizzie Enriquez-Ortiz, a 28-year-old track and field competitor, is one of the athletes who relies on Kaiser Permanente to help keep her healthy as she strives to achieve her athletic goals.

Enriquez-Ortiz discovered her love of running when she was a child in Baja, Mexico. But it wasn’t until her family moved to Seattle that Enriquez-Ortiz discovered Special Olympics. She has big goals and even bigger talent.

Enriquez-Ortiz has participated in Special Olympics regional and state events in track and field, swimming, basketball,

Lizzie Enriquez-Ortiz has high aspirations: “I want to be the first person on the autism spectrum to go into space.”

bowling and flag football. This is her first time in the Special Olympics USA Games, competing in the 800-meter run, the 4x100-meter relay and mini-javelin throw.

She began javelin just a year ago and already throws it 42 feet.

Enriquez-Ortiz’s goals include winning gold in the USA Games and qualifying to compete in hurdles and swimming in the next Special Olympics World Games.

“Competing on the world stage is important to me. I want to show that someone with autism can do amazing things,” she said.

“And it’s amazing that the USA Games are happening here. I’m determined to make Seattle and Washington state very proud.”

Enriquez-Ortiz’s mom is her biggest fan and supports her making healthy lifestyle choices. Enriquez-Ortiz knows good health improves her performance, so she’s increased her intake of water, fruits, vegetables and protein.

Daily training includes lifting weights, swimming and running laps. Enriquez-Ortiz uses an activity tracking wristband that shows what percentage of her health goal she’s achieved.

“When you reach 100 percent, it vibrates with a picture of a trophy,” she said. “It makes training easier.”

Kaiser Permanente, the official health partner of the 2018 Special Olympics USA Games, is also the health care provider for many of the athletes. Learn more at kp.org/ specialolympics.

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partnership with the Special Olympics as an opportunity to merge technology with the “joy of competition,” said Wright.

“We’re really excited to be able to champion different gamers and give these gamers and these athletes an opportunity to participate in this growing and competitive sport,” she said The 16 gaming tournament finalists were chosen after winning qualifying rounds

By Melissa Hellmann hosted at Microsoft retail stores throughout mhellmann@soundpublishing.com the country in April. Some of the partners knew each other before the tryouts, and ittle else provides more calm and other’s—like Dempsey and his partner— focus to Tim Dempsey than playing a were paired together after receiving similar racing video game on his Xbox after a individual scores. Dempsey said that he work shift as a ride operator at Wild Waves hasn’t had a chance to practice with his Theme Park. In the game Forza Motorsport partner yet, but he plays the game on his 7, for instance, Dempsey is transported onto own a couple of hours a day. On game day, a race track that glistens after a fresh rain, each team member will compete individually, and their combined score will deterhis vehicle kicking up mist as it skids. mine the winning pair. A screen located “The graphics are amazing,” said the behind the play29-year-old Federal ers will display the Way native. “They’re game as they play, really upfront. It so the audience makes you feel like can also particiyou’re actually driving the car.” pate in the virtual Dempsey’s intelexperience. lectual disabilities Not only is never pose as a gaming fun, it can barrier in this virtual also enhance cognitive skills such as arena. Settings task switching and that automatically Photo by Davidlohr Bueso/Flickr abstract reasoning, activate the driver’s brakes on corners or prevent the car according to a review of studies by researchers Adam Eichenbaum, Daphne Bavelier, from sliding off the track are just some of and C. Shawn in a 2014 article in The Amerithe features that makes Forza Motorsport can Journal of Play.

7 accessible to players of different abilities and skill levels. It’s a unifying sport that Recent research on the benefits of gaming allows him to play with partners without provided all the more reason for the Special intellectual disabilities whose inherent bias Olympics to focus on gaming this year, is quickly shed when they see Dempsey’s noted Special Olympics USA Games CEO character zipping along the track.

Beth Knox. The pilot program also showcases unified teams, which are integral This summer, he’ll take his lifelong to the group’s mission of inclusion and passion to the stage as a player in the first community building. gaming tournament at the 2018 Special “When you are playing a sport with an Olympics USA Games. On July 2, eight individual with [intellectual disabilities], “unified” teams composed of two players—one with and another without an you quickly recognize that the intellectual intellectual disability—will compete in disability is no longer a factor,” said Knox.

Forza Motorsport 7 to determine which “They are competitive, they are skilled, they winning pair goes around the track the fastare very talented and certainly you recognize est. Through the pilot program, the Special that those barriers don’t actually exist. That’s Olympics and Xbox seek to dispel misperthe ultimate goal that we have with this.” ceptions about people with intellectual For Dempsey, the best part of the pilot disabilities by bringing together players of program has been meeting people with different abilities. similar interests who hail from different “In the eSport world, there tends to be a parts of the country. Although gaming is pretty high barrier to entry, in which you customarily considered a lonely sport, the need to be a professional gamer,” said Katy tournament has opened up his world. His Jo Wright, director of Gaming for Everyinvolvement with the Special Olympics one at Xbox. “So this gaming tournament has even helped him overcome his selective mutism, an anxiety disorder in which is really an opportunity for us to bring that people are unable to communicate in joy of competition to a group of gamers, certain settings. and include them in that experience without requiring them to be a professional “I know that if it wasn’t for Wild Waves gamer. So this really is about how do we and Special Olympics, I don’t think I’d be in … empower everyone to participate, and a spot where I could be able to open up and engage and have fun in new ways.” talk to people,” Dempsey said.

In continuation of a partnership with the Special Olympics that began in 2014, The Xbox Gaming Tournament will take Microsoft will host the 2018 Games. The place from 1-4 p.m. on Monday, July 2 at team behind Microsoft’s Xbox saw the Lyceum Room, Husky Union Building.

For the first time ever, the Special Olympics is adding eSports into the mix.

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2018 SPECIAL OLYMPICS USA GAMES

ATHLETICS

SCHEDULE

HUSKY OUTDOOR TRACK MONDAY, JULY 2

TRACK 8:00AM PENTATHLON 100M M/F 8:10AM HP 100M (FINAL) M 8:15AM 5000M (FINAL) M/F 9:30AM 50M DASH (FINAL) M/F 9:45AM 100M WALK (FINAL) M/F 10:30AM 1500M (FINAL) M/F 11:00AM 100M DASH (FINAL) M FIELD 8:45AM PENTATHLON LONG JUMP M/F 9:00AM HIGH JUMP (FINAL) M 9:00AM SOFTBALL THROW (FINAL) M 10:00AM RUNNING LONG JUMP (FINAL) F 10:30AM PENTATHLON SHOT PUT M/F

TUESDAY, JULY 3

TRACK 8:00AM 3000M (FINAL) M/F 9:00AM 200M (FINAL) M 10:00AM 800M WALK (FINAL) M/F 10:45AM PENT. 400M (FINAL) M/F 11:15AM 800M (FINAL) M/F 1:00PM 100M (FINAL) F FIELD 8:00AM PENTATHLON HIGH JUMP M/F 9:00AM SHOT PUT (FINAL) M 11:00AM STANDING LONG JUMP (FINAL) M/F 11:00AM SOFTBALL THROW (FINAL) F

WEDNESDAY, JULY 4 TRACK 9:30AM 50M WALK (FINAL) M/F 10:00AM 400M WALK (FINAL) M/F 11:00AM 200M (FINAL) F 1:00PM 400M (FINAL) M 2:00PM 4X100M (FINAL) M/F FIELD 10:00AM RUNNING LONG JUMP (FINAL) M 10:00AM MINI JAVELIN (FINAL) F

THURSDAY, JULY 5

TRACK 8:00AM 10,000M (FINAL) M 11:15AM 4X100M (FINAL) M/F 1:00PM 400M (FINAL) F 2:00PM 4X400M (FINAL) M FIELD 9:00AM MINI JAVELIN (FINAL) M 9:00AM SHOT PUT (FINAL) F

FRIDAY, JULY 6

TRACK 8:00AM 1500M (FINAL) M/F 9:30AM HP 100 (FINAL) F 9:35AM HP 100 (FINAL) M FIELD 9:00AM HP SHOT PUT (FINAL) M

SOCCER

WEDNESDAY, JULY 4

SEATTLE UNIVERSITY MONDAY, JULY 2

9AM-5PM INTERSCHOLASTIC UNIFIED

TEAM POOL PLAY M/F 9AM-5PM TRADITIONAL

TEAM POOL PLAY M/F 9AM-4PM UNIFIED TEAM

POOL PLAY M/F 6-7:30PM UNIFIED SPORTS CLINIC* 7:30-9PM UNIFIED SPORTS EXPERIENCE*

TUESDAY, JULY 3

9AM-5PM INTERSCHOLASTIC UNIFIED

TEAM POOL PLAY M/F 9AM-5PM TRADITIONAL TEAM

POOL PLAY M/F 9AM-4PM UNIFIED TEAM

POOL PLAY M/F

9AM-4PM INTERSCHOLASTIC UNIFIED

TEAM POOL PLAY M/F 9AM-4PM TRADITIONAL TEAM

POOL PLAY M/F 9AM-1PM UNIFIED TEAM

POOL PLAY M/F

THURSDAY, JULY 5

9:00AM- INTERSCHOLASTIC UNIFIED 10:20AM TEAM MEDAL ROUND M/F 9:00AM- UNIFIED TEAM FINALS M/F 11:40AM 10:20AM- TRADITIONAL TEAM 1:00PM FINALS M/F 11:40AM- INTERSCHOLASTIC 2:40PM UNIFIED TEAM FINALS M/F

* WILL TAKE PLACE AT HUSKY SOCCER STADIUM AT UNIVERSITY OF WASHINGTON

Celebrate Inclusion!

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2018 Special Olympics USA Games - soccer competitor

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2018 SPECIAL OLYMPICS USA GAMES

SWIMMING KING COUNTY AQUATICS CENTER MONDAY, JULY 2

8-10AM PRACTICE 10:30-11:15AM 200M FREESTYLE (FINAL 1) M 11:20-11:55AM 200M FREESTYLE (FINAL 1) F 1-2PM AWARDS SESSION 1 2-2:15PM 50M BREASTSTROKE (FINAL 2) M 2:15-2:30PM 50M BREASTSTROKE (FINAL 2) F 2:35-2:50PM 25M BACKSTROKE (FINAL 2) M 2:50-3:15PM 25M BACKSTROKE (FINAL 3) F 3:20-3:30PM 25M BUTTERFLY (FINAL 3) F 3:30-3:40PM 100M INDIVIDUAL (FINAL 3) M 3:40-3:55PM 100M INDIVIDUAL (FINAL 3) F 3:55-4:05PM 4X25 MEDLY RELAY (FINAL 3) M 3:45-5PM AWARDS SESSION 2

TUESDAY, JULY 3

8-9:08AM AWARDS SESSION 3 9:15-9:40AM 4X50 MEDLEY RELAY M 9:40-9:46AM 4X50 MEDLEY RELAY F 9:50-10AM 25M FREESTYLE (FINAL 4) M 10:10-10:22AM 25M FREESTYLE (FINAL 4) F 10:25-10:30AM 100M INDIVIDUAL (FINAL 4) M 10:30-10:35AM 100M INDIVIDUAL (FINAL 4) F 10:40-10:56AM 50M BUTTERFLY (FINAL 5) M 10:56-11:08AM 50M BUTTERFLY (FINAL 5) F 11:10-11:30AM 100M BACKSTROKE (FINAL 5) M 11:30-11:50AM 100M BACKSTROKE (FINAL 5) F 12:30-1:30PM AWARDS SESSION 4 1:30-1:55PM 100M BREASTSTROKE (FINAL 6) M 1:55-2:15PM 100M BREASTSTROKE (FINAL6) F 2:20-2:32PM 200M INDIVIDUAL (FINAL 6) M 2:32-2:48PM 200M INDIVIDUAL (FINAL 6) F 3:20-3:38PM 4X50 FREE RELAY M 3:38-3:45PM 4X50 FREE RELAY F 3:45-5PM AWARDS SESSION 5 8-9PM AWARDS SESSION 6

WEDNESDAY, JULY 4

9-9:24AM 4X50 MED. RELAY (FINAL 7) M 9:30-9:36AM 4X50 MED. RELAY (FINAL 7) F 9:40-10:55AM 100M FREESTYLE (FINAL 7) M 10:55AM-12PM 100M FREESTYLE (FINAL 8) F 12-12:05PM HP 100M FREESTYLE (FINAL 8) M 12:05-12:10PM HP 100M FREESTYLE (FINAL 8) F 12:10-12:30PM 4X25 FR RELAY M 12:30-12:35PM 4X25 FR RELAY F 1:30-3PM AWARDS SESSION 7

THURSDAY, JULY 5

8-9AM AWARDS SESSION 8 9-9:20AM 4X50 FREE RELAY (FINAL 9) M 9:20-9:26AM 4X50 FREE RELAY (FINAL 9) F 9:30-9:50AM 400M FREESTYLE (FINAL 9) M 9:50-10:26AM 400M FREESTYLE (FINAL 9) F 10:30-11:36AM 50M FREESTYLE (FINAL 10) M 11:36AM-12:30PM 50M FREESTYLE (FINAL 10) F 12:50-1:30PM AWARDS SESSION 9 1:30-1:45PM 200M BREASTROKE (FINAL 10) M 1:45-2PM 200M BREASTROKE (FINAL 10) F 2-2:10PM 100M BUTTERFLY (FINAL 10) M 2:10-2:25PM 100M BUTTERFLY (FINAL 10) 2:25-2:45PM 4X25 FREE RELAY (FINAL 11) M 2:45-2:50PM 4X25 FREE RELAY (FINAL 11) F 3-4:20PM AWARDS SESSION 10

FRIDAY, JULY 6

8-9:04AM AWARDS SESSION 11 9:10-9:30AM 4X100 MEDLEY RELAY (FINAL 12) 9:30-9:45AM 800M FREESTYLE (FINAL 12) M 9:45-10:15AM 50M BACKSTROKE (FINAL 12) M 10:15-10:45AM 50M BACKSTROKE (FINAL 12) F 10:55-11:00AM 25M BREASTROKE (FINAL 12) M 11:00-11:05AM 25M BREASTROKE (FINAL 12) F 11:10-11:20AM 4X100 FREE RELAY (FINAL 12) M 12:30-2:06PM AWARDS SESSION 12

BOCCE DEMPSEY INDOOR CENTER (UW) MONDAY, JULY 2

9AM-5PM SINGLES FINALS M/F

TUESDAY, JULY 3

DAILY LITE LUNCH COMB

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and Choose one entree item

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9AM-12PM SINGLES FINALS M/F 1-5PM TRAD./UNIFIED DOUBLES FINALS M/F

WEDNESDAY, JULY 4 9AM-12PM TRAD./UNIFIED DOUBLES FINALS M/F 1-5PM TRAD./UNIFIED TEAMS FINALS M/F

THURSDAY, JULY 5

9AM-1PM TRAD./UNIFIED TEAMS FINALS M/F

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2018 SPECIAL OLYMPICS USA GAMES

FOOTBALL

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IMA FIELDS (UW)

MONDAY, JULY 2

9-10AM UNIFIED TEAM POOL PLAY M/F 9AM-5PM TRADITIONAL TEAM POOL PLAY M/F 10-11AM INTERCOLLEGIATE UNIFIED TEAM

POOL PLAY M/F 11:00AM- UNIFIED TEAM 12:00PM POOL PLAY M/F 12-1PM INTERCOLLEGIATE UNIFIED TEAM

POOL PLAY M/F 2-5PM UNIFIED TEAM POOL PLAY M/F

TUESDAY, JULY 3

8-10AM TRADITIONAL TEAM POOL PLAY M/F 8-9AM INTERCOLLEGIATE UNIFIED TEAM

POOL PLAY M/F 9:00AM- UNIFIED TEAM 3:00PM POOL PLAY M/F 1-3PM TRADITIONAL TEAM POOL PLAY M/F 3:00PM- UNIFIED SPORTS EXPERIENCE 6:30PM POOL PLAY M/F 6:30PM- UNIFIED TEAM POOL PLAY M/F 7:30PM 6:30PM- INTERCOLLEGIATE UNIFIED TEAM 7:30PM POOL PLAY M/F 6:30PM- TRADITIONAL TEAM POOL PLAY M/F 7:30PM

WEDNESDAY, JULY 4

9-10 AM INTERCOLLEGIATE UNIFIED TEAM

MEDAL ROUND M/F 9-10AM UNIFIED TEAM

MEDAL ROUND M/F 9-11:30AM TRADITIONAL TEAM MEDAL ROUND M/F 11:30AM- INTERCOLLEGIATE UNIFIED TEAM 2:00PM MEDAL ROUND M/F 11:30AM- UNIFIED TEAM 2:00PM MEDAL ROUND M/F

MONDAY, JULY 2

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MEANY HALL (UW)

JOSHUA BENNETT Presented by

Joshua Bennett, a 23-year-old flag football competitor, is one of the athletes who relies on Kaiser Permanente to help keep him healthy as he strives to achieve his athletic goals.

Bennett has always enjoyed playing sports. He’s good at most sports too, and he likes to compete. At 6-feet-3-inches tall and 298 pounds, he’s a good match for flag football. And his size matches his big dreams for the 2018 Special Olympics USA Games and beyond.

“I’m looking forward to competing at the Games, playing really well and bringing home a gold medal,” said the Federal Way resident. “It’s also a chance to meet lots of people and hang out with my teammates. It will be lots of fun.”

Bennett’s athletic ability has not gone unnoticed by recruiters over the years.

“Special Olympics tried to recruit me when I was in ninth grade, but I was playing with other teams then,” he said.

Later, when he did join, he was recruited to play with Special Olympics Unified Sports, which brings people with and without intellectual disabilities together on the same team. He attended the 2014 Special Olympics USA Games, competing in Unified basketball with the Senior High School division, so he’s heading into this summer’s Games with that extra bit of experience under his belt.

Special Olympics gives Josh a good understanding of what he needs to do to

Joshua Bennett is studying to be a computer technician.

stay healthy.

“I eat a lot of fruits and vegetables, drink lots of water, and exercise at least 5 days a week,” he said.

In his free time, he enjoys playing computer games and hanging out with his friends.

Josh jokes that his impressive size tends to intimidate the opposing team when he’s playing flag football.

“I guess that works in my favor,” he laughs.

“But he’s the gentlest guy,” adds his coach.

With size, skill, and competitive savvy on his side, Josh’s prospects for the upcoming Games look great. Keep an eye on this gentle giant as he represents Washington state.

Kaiser Permanente, the official health partner of the 2018 Special Olympics USA Games, is also the health care provider for many of the athletes. Learn more at at kp.org/specialolympics.

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2018 SPECIAL OLYMPICS USA GAMES

Local Focus

THAT’S THE SPIRIT!

T

wo members ot the Eastside Barracudas swim team made the cut for the Games.

Jake Moselle, 16, and Simon Van Giesen, 24, both qualified after winning gold medals at the regional and state levels.

At this year’s Games, Van Giesen will compete in the 100-meter freestyle, 200-meter freestyle and 100-meter backstroke. The Seattle resident has been swimming for nearly a decade and currently works at the front desk for the Special Olympics Washington office.

Also in his first national competition, Moselle will swim the 4x50 freestyle relay, 100-meter freestyle, 200-meter breaststroke and 100-meter breaststroke.

“I’m excited to participate, swim and win,” said Moselle, who attends Bellevue High School. “I’m someone who likes to go for it.”

Jackie Booth coaches the Eastside Barracudas, who are based in Bellevue, and has been coaching Special Olympians in the region for nearly 30 years. But this is the first year that swimmers under her tutelage have qualified for the national event.

“Our team is fabulous because of the help we have too,” she said.

“These athletes work so hard.”

Moselle’s mother, Jerrilynn Moselle, said she appreciates the inclusiveness of the Special Olympics and how it has contributed to her son’s success.

“Sure, it’s competitive, but it’s never negative,” she said. “It’s all so uplifting and positive. It’s so refreshing to be around that kind of spirit.”

—Andy Hobbs

The Mercer Island Sparkle Squad takes part in last year’s Summer Celebration parade. Photo by Katie Metzger

HERE TO CHEER

A new program promotes leadership, athleticism and entertainment.

By Katie Metzger kmetzger@soundpublishing.com

Not every athlete at this year’s Special Olympics USA Games will be competing. Some will be too busy entertaining the crowds and encouraging the athletes on the field.

Consider the Mercer Island Sparkle Squad, a unified cheer group made up of 13 mentors and nine students with intellectual disabilities.

THUNDER STRUCK The players on this football team are determined to show what they can do.

By Haley Donwerth hdonwerth@soundpublishing.com

Jake Moselle

Their goal is to “add spirit and enthusiasm to the games,” said coach Jami Blumenstein.

The group has been active for 10 years, but this year it will break new ground when it takes part in SO CHEER at the Games, joining other squads from California, Arizona, Texas, Maryland and North Carolina. This will be the first time that a cheer program is included at the USA Games,

Three times a week on Decatur High School’s track, the Federal Way Thunder flag football team can be found running plays and practicing their maneuvers.

The team, made up of adults

in their 20s and 30s, was founded three years ago. The players, some with disabilities and others without, are excited to take part in their first Special Olympics USA Games together this July.

Benjamin Kennish, who has cerebral palsy and has been the team’s center since it began, said his favorite part of playing is showing the competitors what he can do with his limitations.

“Nothing stops me,” he said. “I find a way to do it.”

Kennish said he’s faced judgement because of his disability, but

though it is still not recognized as a Special Olympic sport.

The Sparkle Squad has long embodied the spirit of inclusion that is essential to the Special Olympics. The cheerleaders have “a wide range of abilities, and everyone does the best they can do,” Blumenstein said.

Just as other Special Olympics athletes train year-round for their events, the Sparkle Squad has been practicing every Thursday after school, rehearsing cheers, dances and even a flash-mob routine.

“It’s been a year of preparation,” Blumenstein

he doesn’t let that affect him on or off the field.

“I take all that negativity and turn it into a positive and show people what I can do,” said Kennish, who has also played softball, basketball and bowling, and competed in track and field.

Another player, Nicholas King, has participated in Special Olympics since 2009. He is excited to be involved in another sport, having previously played soccer, basketball, bowling, softball, and competed in track. King also doesn’t feel that his disabilities have negatively affected his life.

“I still fit in with the general public, and any job that I’ve had in the past are all equal-opportunity

See CHEER 4 4 4

employers,” King said.

Clay Williams, one of the team’s coaches, got involved through Sharon Boyle, the unified coordinator of Special Olympics in Federal Way, when she approached him about working with the softball team.

“She’s the reason that everybody has these opportunities,” Williams said. “She works extremely hard.”

Williams said he wants the community to know these athletes are no different from anyone else.

“I can’t keep up with them; they’re extremely athletic; they’re extremely smart,” he said. “They know how to play football, and

See FOOTBALL 4 4 4

2018 SPECIAL OLYMPICS USA GAMES

2018 SPECIAL OLYMPICS USA GAMES

Football

Cheer

they’re great guys that know how to play together as a team.”

Joel Peterson is a partner on the team, meaning he is a player without any disabilities. He’s been playing with the team for the past few months after being asked to join

by Gordon Chan, a close personal friend.

Peterson said most of the athletes are better players than he is, and they work really hard to get to that level.

“They run plays, they have plays memorized, they work hard every play, and it’s a well-oiled machine,” he said, adding that playing with the Thunder is more competitive than the intramural sports he participated in at the University of Washington.

Joshua Bennett, quarterback for the team, has been playing football since high school and has been with the Thunder since it started. He said he’s never thought about his learning disability affecting his life, and he really enjoys playing sports on a team like the Thunder. He has also played basketball and competed in track and field in the past.

Another team partner, Richard Reyes, said his friend and teammate, Gary Mork, asked him to join the

said. “Everyone’s really excited.”

During the school year, the Sparkle Squad performs at football and basketball games, parades, assemblies and more. This summer, they will perform at the Opening Ceremony at Husky Stadium, as well as on the sidelines and during halftime of various sporting events and at the Games’ Fan Zone. Members will also greet visiting athletes and delegates for Welcome Day at SeaTac Airport on June 30.

As with any team sport, the members of the Squad gain a “sense of pride, confidence, school and community spirit, and make lifetime friends,” Blumenstein said. Their bond is apparent, with “hugs, high fives and smiles” a regular part of their practices and performances. Their joy is contagious, she said.

“These kids get out there and just shine. The crowd always goes crazy for them,” she said. “Even if I’m having a challenging day, at Sparkle practice, I’m always smiling. It’s so much fun.”

While the Sparkle Squad typically cheers solely for Mercer Island High School, its members aren’t strangers to supporting national and international athletes. Cheer made its Special Olympics debut at the World Games in Los Angeles in 2015, and a few Sparkle Squad members made that trip. Cheer was also featured at the World Games in Austria in 2017.

Leading up to the games, the Sparkle Squad will make welcome signs, learn new cheers and receive their red, white and blue Special Olympics uniforms.

Organizers are hoping that the SO CHEER initiative at these Games will inspire many to start a Special Olympics cheer program or team in the United States, and worldwide.

“Come to the Games and events, and cheer along with us,” Blumenstein said.

“They work hard every play,” says one of the team partners. Courtesy photo

team. Reyes said the team feels like a family, and everyone works together to achieve their goals.

“It’s a good thing for them to be out here and be able to experience it and have fun,” he said.

Mork, who has played with the team since it began, said he is excited and nervous about going to his first Special Olympics, but he loves the competition that comes with the game.

“It gives you a reason to get out of

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bed and keep working,” Mork said.

Troy Marsh, a defensive player who has autism, said he enjoys playing every sport he can.

“But, football is hands-down my favorite,” he said, adding that his disability has helped him grow as a person.

Flag football games are scheduled for Monday-Thursday, July 2-5, at the University of Washington’s IMA Field. See page 7 for a full schedule.

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