Bellingham Independents Special Olympics

Bellingham Independents Special Olympics is the local chapter of Special Olympics Washington provide seasonal sports training and athletic competition for children and adults with intellectual disabilities. All of our coaches and local leadership are volunteers who are dedicated to the vision of Special Olympics: to be a catalyst for inclusion by providing quality and inclusive sports programming, and empowering children and adults with intellectual disabilities to be valued on and off the playing field. Special Olympics strives to remove barriers and stigmas that people with intellectual disabilities face, so that they can share their gifts and talents with their communities.

Participants: Persons with intellectual disabilities, regardless of ability level, may participate in sports and other programs offered by Special Olympics Washington. Individuals are eligible for training and competition at age eight and there is no upper age limit.

Volunteers: Volunteers serve as coaches, sports officials, committee members and on-site volunteers at competitions and fundraising events.

Special Olympics Washington provides seasonal sports training and athletic competition in a variety of Olympic type sports for children and adults with intellectual disabilities, giving them continuing opportunities to develop physical fitness, demonstrate courage, experience joy and participate in the sharing of gifts, skills and friendship with their families, other Special Olympics athletes and the community.