Wonderful Washington: Native athlete to compete in Special Olympics USA Games

SEATTLE — As the nation prepares to rejoice America’s 250th birthday this summer season, one Washington athlete is getting ready to symbolize the state on one of many nation’s largest levels for athletes with mental and developmental disabilities.

Kevin Short, a multi-medal-winning athlete with Special Olympics Washington, will compete on the 2026 Special Olympics USA Games in Minnesota this summer season. Short competes in basketball, bowling and observe and area, however mentioned one sport stands above the remainder.

“I probably have to say track and field is my favorite,” Short mentioned. “And I think bowling is a close second.”

His observe and area occasions embrace the 100-meter, 200-meter and mini javelin. Short has been concerned with Special Olympics Washington for almost 20 years and mentioned the group has had a serious influence on his life.

“Special Olympics, in general, is an opportunity for kids with intellectual disabilities to be able to just be themselves and go out and have a good time,” he mentioned.

Over the years, Short has earned dozens of medals at varied competitions.

“I look at these medals, and I am proud of the blood, sweat and tears that go into the training that leads up to an event,” Short mentioned.

Short mentioned he devoted his most up-to-date gold medal to his late grandfather. Special Olympics Washington serves about 14,000 athletes throughout the state by way of year-round sports activities competitors, well being applications and management alternatives.

“But more than just sports, we also offer health programming and leadership opportunities, wherever you are in your stage of life and ability. You’re welcome to be a part of this organization,” mentioned Mary Do, president and chief govt officer of Special Olympics Washington.

“A lot of what we hear from our families is that it allows them to see opportunities and abilities they may not have thought possible as they were growing up, navigating systems or making friends,” Do mentioned.

The 2026 Special Olympics USA Games will happen June 20-26 within the Twin Cities and are anticipated to convey collectively 1000’s of athletes, coaches and volunteers from throughout the nation. Washington will ship a delegation of 70 athletes.

“It’s pretty magical,” Do mentioned. “Team Washington typically brings home a lot of hardware, so we’re pretty proud of that.”

“Not that we’re super competitive about that or anything,” she added, “but we are. We know that people with disabilities, including intellectual disabilities, are often left on the sidelines. There are many barriers to access, and we don’t want to be one of them.”

Before each occasion, Special Olympics athletes collect to recite the group’s motto: “Let me win, but if I cannot win, let me be brave in the attempt.”

For Short, that spirit is what issues most.

“I think that’s the beauty of it,” Short mentioned. “People can just go out, be themselves, and not be told, ‘Oh, you can’t do this, you can’t do that.’ That’s a wonderful thing.”