The Washington state House of Representatives adopted House Resolution 4631 on Tuesday, March 25, honoring the 50th anniversary of Special Olympics Washington.
State Rep. Peter Abbarno, R-Centralia, sponsored the resolution and introduced it to the floor.
“Special Olympics Washington has been a beacon of hope, opportunity and inclusion for thousands of athletes and their families,” Abbarno stated in a news release. “These athletes are absolutely amazing — not just in their dedication and perseverance, but in the way they inspire everyone around them. When you spend time at a Special Olympics event, you can't help but walk away feeling uplifted and encouraged.”
The resolution recognizes the specific impact on athletes and others who have worked with the organization.
Special Olympics Washington board members, staff, athletes and their families joined Abbarno on the House floor to celebrate the recognition of Special Olympics Washington and the organization's impact.
“The House of Representatives celebrates the 50th anniversary of the Special Olympics Washington and the impact it has had on the lives of thousands of athletes, volunteers and the greater community over the course of its half-century history,” the resolution reads.
Special Olympics Washington serves more than 12,000 athletes across the state through year-round training and Olympic-style competition, health initiatives and the Unified Champion Schools program, which brings together students with and without intellectual and developmental disabilities.
Special Olympics Washington was founded in 1975 and is part of the global Special Olympics organization, which was first created in 1968. Special Olympics serves more than 4.2 million people around the world and hosts more than 50,000 competitions across 207 countries each year.
“Special Olympics is more than just sports — it's about inclusion, empowerment and belonging,” Abbarno said. “As we celebrate this milestone, we reaffirm our commitment to supporting and expanding opportunities for these incredible athletes for the next 50 years and beyond.”
Abbarno has been a strong supporter of Lewis County Special Olympics, taking part in the annual Special Olympics Law Enforcement Torch Run, raising money through an annual Polar Plunge at Mayfield Lake and advocating for the organization at community events and in publications such as The Chronicle.
