YMCA of Pierce and Kitsap Counties

"...let me be brave in the attempt."

Special Olympics, Washington, is working towards changing public perception by highlighting the abilities of our athletes, rather than the “disabilities”, while promoting an atmosphere of respect and acceptance.

Our athletes are Lakewood Family YMCA members and participate in the Otters Special Olympics Team. Sports competitions and special events provide tangible benefits such as building self-esteem and meeting new friends.

The Otters program is focused on integration and team building. Each Otter is expected to demonstrate the YMCAs core values of respect, responsibility, honesty and caring. The Otter program is dedicated to building the Special Olympic Athlete’s Spirit, Mind and Body.

Spring
Our largest competitive sport is Aquatics (swimming). Our team focuses on individual success as well as group achievements. Each team member is encouraged to participate in at least 3 individual events during the Special Olympic Swim Meets. Events range from modified swim events, such as water walking, to assisted events, such as swimming with a life vest or with the help of a coach, to long course events.

Athletes who receive a gold medal in the Special Olympics Regional Games have the opportunity to compete in the State Summer Games.

Along with swimming practice, we spend a little bit of our practice utilizing the rest of the YMCA by walking and working out.

Fall
In the Fall we focus on bowling. The Bowlero Lanes, located in Lakewood, graciously discounts bowling for our practice. Each participant has the opportunity to compete in an individual sport, team bowling or on a unified bowling team.

Winter
For the winter we bring our team inside to work on basketball. The team practices fundamental basketball skills twice a week. Currently, we are working on having enough athletes dedicated to the a full season to be able to compete in the Special Olympics competitions.

Summer
During the summer we hold a wide range of activities for the Otters to participate in. These activities are focused on building friendship, getting out in the community, staying healthy and just having fun.

For more information, contact Christine Daly at 253-460-8930.