Gary Payton cheers teammates at Special Olympics Day of Inclusion in Seattle

Oct. 19, 2019 at 4:56 pm Updated Oct. 19, 2019 at 9:13 pm

Former Sonics star Gary Payton, right, congratulates Ryan Carlson after Carlson scores big in the Soccer Darts game. Contestants either toss or kick velcro-like balls at a scoring target at the Special Olympics Washington Day of Inclusion, Unified Sports Challenge, where teams included celebrities. They’re both on team Kick Yo Couch Ninjas.
(Alan Berner / The Seattle Times)

The Mariner Moose signs an autograph Saturday for Michelle Papka, parent of a Special Olympian and medalist who went to the World Games. (Alan Berner / The Seattle Times)

Frankie Hogan with Lancers Team #1 is pleased with his score in Soccer Darts at the Special Olympics Washington Day of Inclusion. The goal was to raise awareness and funds at the Unified Sports Challenge at Seattle Center. (Alan Berner / The Seattle Times)

Participants get their kicks in the Soccer Darts games with velcro balls that stick to a giant scoreboard at Special Olympics Washington Day of Inclusion, unified sports challenge, with celebrities on teams at Seattle Center for Special Olympics. (Alan Berner / The Seattle Times)

Luna, a K-9 dog, has her eyes on the rabbit, not Deputy Kristi Bridgman with the King County Sheriff’s office, as the officer putts on a miniature golf course hole during Special Olympics Washington Day of Inclusion(Alan Berner / The Seattle Times)

Mariner Moose emerges from a changing booth at the Special Olympics Washington Day at Fisher Pavilion at Seattle Center on Saturday. (Alan Berner / The Seattle Times)

Former Seattle Sonics guard Gary Payton can still sound off as he encourages teammates at the Special Olympics Washington Day of Inclusion, Unified Sports Challenge. (Alan Berner / The Seattle Times)

In Soccer Darts a competitor sends a ball to a scoreboard where the ball sticks, velcro-like and generates a score at the Special Olympics Washington Day of Inclusion at Seattle Center for Special Olympics. (Alan Berner / Seattle Times)

It’s high-fives all around for the Comcast Fresh team at the Special Olympics Washington Day of Inclusion as they compete in games in Fisher Pavilion. Thirty-one teams with about 200 participants celebrated and competed to raise awareness and funds. (Alan Berner / The Seattle Times)

The Mariner Moose checks out one of the food booths at the Special Olympics Washington Day of Inclusion at Seattle Center but didn’t buy anything. The Moose doesn’t speak and his / her mouth does not appear to function. (Alan Berner / Seattle Times)

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Alan Berner

Seattle Times staff photographer

Thirty-one teams with about 200 participants celebrated and competed at the Special Olympics Washington Day of Inclusion, Unified Sports Challenge at Fisher Pavilion at Seattle Center on Saturday to raise awareness and raise funds.

Alan Berner

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