June 28, 2018
The excitement is palpable as we get ready for one of the largest sporting events in Seattle history. The 2018 Special Olympics USA Games kicks off on July 1 and will showcase the inspiring abilities of athletes with intellectual disabilities, promote the ideals of acceptance and inclusion through sport, and celebrate the transformative power of Special Olympics. And tens of thousands of athletes, coaches, family members, and fans will begin to arrive in Seattle this week!
Port of Seattle Sponsorship
As an Official Sponsor of Welcome Day Presented by United Airlines, the Port of Seattle is providing logistical support and volunteer staffing for the 2018 USA Games. From the moment athletes, coaches and visitors arrive, to the day they depart, Sea-Tac Airport and Port employees will roll out the red carpet.
“More than a year ago the Port started working with the Special Olympics USA Games team on a world-class plan to support 10,000 athletes, family members, and coaches who will fly through Sea-Tac to the USA Games,” said Port of Seattle Commissioner Courtney Gregoire. “This is a great moment for our region and for participating athletes and their families. We are thrilled to join other public agencies in making USA Games participants feel welcomed and celebrated.”
The Port’s support for the 2018 USA Games includes:
- Coordinating the arrivals and departures of thousands of delegates to Sea-Tac Airport
- Providing space for staging trucks and busses to get athletes’ luggage to the University of Washington
- Assistance from Port Police (along with other local law enforcement agencies) at the July 1 opening Ceremony
- Marketing and branding support throughout Sea-Tac Airport including co-branded signage in airport terminals, baggage claim carousel screens, and backlit dioramas
- Staging USA Games information booths throughout the baggage claim area
Special Olympics Events
How can you get involved and support the athletes? There are many events throughout the week, but here’s a selection of both paid events and free events. View the entire schedule online.
June 29-30: Welcome Days
Sea-Tac Airport
More than 4,000 athletes, family members, and coaches will be arriving at Sea-Tac International Airport this weekend. And Port of Seattle employees will be there to give them a big welcome, guide them to baggage claim, help them pull their luggage, and escort them to the University of Washington on Sound Transit Link Light Rail. Port employees will also help during bocce competitions.
July 1: Opening Ceremony
Alaska Airlines Field at Husky Stadium, University of Washington
Gates open at 11:00 am and the event begins at 12:30 pm
There will be a parade of athletes and entertainment including Charlie Puth, Marshmello, Allen Stone, Ann Wilson of Heart, Massive Monkees and more! Taye Diggs will serve as the master of ceremonies while the 2,018 member choir will serve as the living backdrop. Plus, the lighting of the Special Olympics Cauldron will open the 2018 USA Games. ASL Interpreters and closed captioning will be available.
Purchase tickets for $20
July 2-3 and July 5: Young Athletes Festival
July 2 and 3 – Seattle Center, Behind the International Fountain
July 5 – University of Washington, IMA Front Lawn
Special Olympics Young Athletes is a sport and play program for children with and without intellectual disabilities (ID), ages 2 to 7 years old. Young Athletes introduces basic sport skills, like running, kicking and throwing. Young Athletes offers families, teachers, caregivers and people from the community the chance to share the joy of sports with all children. Children of all abilities take part, and they all benefit. Children learn how to play with others and develop important skills for learning. Children also learn to share, take turns and follow directions.
Learn more
July 2-6: Sports Events
Held at multiple locations throughout the region
More than 4,000 athletes and coaches representing 50 state Programs and the District of Columbia, along with the support of tens of thousands of volunteers and spectators, will compete in 14 Olympic-type team and individual sports. Sports events include track and field events, basketball, bowling, flag football, golf, gymnastics, softball, swimming, and many others. All sporting events are free and open to the public.
View a detailed schedule
July 6: Closing Ceremony
7:00 pm at Lake Union Park
Attendees will celebrate athlete successes and the culmination of the 2018 USA Games, while enjoying music by Seattle band Hey Marseilles, mobile food trucks, festive street performers, and a short program. This event is free and open to the public. ASL interpreters and closed captioning will be available.
#RiseWithUs and welcome these amazing athletes to Seattle!
