Special Olympics 2018 Coming to Seattle!

seattle vacation rentals, summer events 2018 special olympicsSarah Vallieu

Special Olympics Games 2018 Coming to Seattle July 2018


Seattle has the honor to host the United States Special Olympics 2018 on July 1-6.

North America has over half a million athletes participating in all 32 sports offered by Special Olympics, and while not all of those athletes are in the United States, the 2018 Special Olympic games in Seattle promises to be a huge event, with well over 4,000 athletes and coaches and 10,000 volunteers traveling to Seattle from all 50 states and Washington D.C..

The mission of the games: to showcase the abilities of athletes with intellectual disabilities and the impact of Special Olympics through world-class competition, inspirational experiences, and modeling inclusion for all.

In addition to the games themselves, 2018 is the 50th Anniversary of the Special Olympics movement, and as such, there will be special ceremonies during the Seattle festivities to honor this great organization.

It is important to remember that these are real athletes who work very hard, train daily, and compete for the chance to attend these games, held every four years. Athletes participate in 14 Olympic type team and individual events, including golf, swimming, and tennis, among others.

Events will take place across the Puget Sound region including University of Washington, Angle Lake in Seatac, Celebration Park and King County Aquatic Center in Federal Way, Kenmore Lanes in Kenmore, Seattle Pacific University, Seattle University, Willows Run Golf Club in Redmond, and closing ceremonies at Lake Union Park here in downtown Seattle at South Lake Union. To attend any of these events, check out the schedule online.

Besides the athletes, coaches and volunteers, 10,000 family members and friends and 70,000 spectators are expected to attend. VisitSeattle, the area’s tourism expert, is saying there are not enough hotel rooms in Seattle to meet demand for this event.

Much of this is due to the timing. With it taking place in the height of cruise ship season, and during the Independence Day holiday, the city of Seattle will be full of people. Because of this, we encourage Special Olympic participants to book lodging as soon as possible! Seattle Oasis Vacation Rentals offers one, two and three bedroom vacation homes, from efficient condos to four story townhomes, convenient to many of the Special Olympic venues.

Related, if you are cruise guest looking to enjoy the city before or after your cruise during this week, don’t hesitate in making your vacatioin rental choice!  

Special Olympics is looking for volunteers. All abilities are needed, from emergency management to logistics to operations.  All ages are welcome; kid volunteers under 13 need to be accompanied by an adult. If interested, please reach out at https://www.specialolympicsusagames.org/volunteer/  

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