Seattle To Host 2018 Special Olympics USA Games

The 2018 Special Olympics USA Games will take place July 1-6, 2018. 3,500 Special Olympics athletes from all 50 states and the District of Columbia, 1,000 coaches, 10,000 family members, 10,000 volunteers and an estimated 50,000 spectators will take part in this premier national sports competition, showcasing the power and joy of sports at the highest levels.

On hand to make the announcement were Washington Governor Jay Inslee, Microsoft President and 2018 USA Games Honorary Chair Brad Smith, 2018 USA Games CEO Beth Knox, Special Olympics North America President Marc Edenzon, King County Executive Dow Constantine, Athlete Stacey Johnston, USA Games sponsors and Board of Directors, and local Special Olympics Washington athletes.

"The 2018 Special Olympics USA Games will showcase the abilities of athletes with intellectual disabilities, promote the ideals of acceptance and inclusion through sport, and celebrate the transformative power of Special Olympics," said 2018 Special Olympics USA Games CEO Beth Knox, adding "These Games are expected to be the most significant sporting event to come to Seattle since the 1990 Goodwill Games and in addition to hosting a world-class sporting event, we hope to leave a legacy of increased awareness and support for Special Olympics here in Washington long after the Games are over."

Competition in 16 Olympic-type individual and team sports, as well as special events, will be hosted at venues throughout Seattle and the King County area, including Husky Stadium at the University of Washington, which will serve as the venue for the Opening and Closing Ceremonies.

In addition to sports competition, special events, celebrity involvement, and the pageantry of Opening and Closing Ceremonies, the 2018 USA Games will also showcase Special Olympics' work in promoting health, programming in schools, inclusive community-building, and more. The USA Games will be a highlight of Special Olympics' global 50th Anniversary celebration in 2018.

"We look forward to welcoming 3,500 athletes, their families, friends and supporters to Washington state in 2018," Washington Governor Jay Inslee said. "The skills, courage and determination of these athletes is inspiring. Washington will model the spirit of Special Olympics - to be more aware and more inclusive. What a wonderful legacy these Games will leave behind."

The 2018 Special Olympics USA Games are proud to announce Microsoft as the Premier Partner of the USA Games and the following companies as Legacy Partners: Bank of America, Special Olympics Founding Partner The Coca Cola Company, KPMG LLP, and Starbucks Coffee Company. Also supporting the USA Games are Perkins Coie, Publicis Seattle, Seattle Metro Chamber of Commerce, Special Olympics Washington, Visit Seattle and the Washington Athletic Club.

Publicis Seattle created the visual identity and branding for the 2018 Special Olympics USA Games.

The Special Olympics USA Games are held every four years. Previous Games were held in Mercer County, New Jersey in 2014, Lincoln, Nebraska in 2010 and Ames, Iowa in 2006.

View full release here: http://bit.do/USAGames51216Release

For more information on the 2018 Special Olympics USA Games, visit www.specialolympicsusagames.org. Follow at www.facebook.com/SpecialOlympicsUSAGames, https://twitter.com/2018USAGames, https://instagram.com/SpecialOlympicsUSAGames

Download press kit: http://bit.do/USAGamesMediaKit2016

Photo - http://photos.prnewswire.com/prnh/20160512/367205

SOURCE 2018 Special Olympics USA Games

Related Links

http://www.specialolympicsusagames.org