Special Olympics USA Games Seattle 2018

Special Olympics USA Games Seattle 2018

Happiness all around as Special Olympics in Seattle come to a close

Patricia Kostiw of the Tennessee Team shows off her gold medal at the Special Olympics closing ceremony in Lake Union Park, on July 6, 2018. (Rebekah Welch / The Seattle Times)
Patricia Kostiw of the Tennessee Team shows off her gold medal at the Special Olympics closing ceremony in Lake Union Park, on July 6, 2018. (Rebekah Welch / The Seattle Times)

Everyone seemed to enjoy this past week at the Special Olympics USA Games in Seattle, whether it was athletes competing or touring the city, coaches and volunteers relishing in the athletes’ success or Games organizers seeing the week exceed even their highest expectations.

Devon Adelman, 21, of Seattle, practices her turns around buoys in Lake Washington. She is going to be competing in paddleboarding in the Special Olympics USA Games in July and also serving as an ambassador for the games. 206473

She's addressed the U.N. and met President Obama, now Seattle's Devon Adelman is paddling for gold

From speaking to the United Nations and visiting the White House to talk about Down syndrome, to cheerleading and soccer, Devon Adelman has always risen to the occasion. Her next big goal: A stand-up paddle board gold medal at the Special Olympics USA Games in Seattle.

This group of Special Olympians is paired with athletes who have no disability. They will represent Washington in the upcoming Special Olympics in Unified Flag Football. Coach Clay Williams, center left, has his team on 3-day per week practices. Unified Flag Football pairs Special Olympic athletes with others who have no such disability. This Federal Way team will represent the state in the national Games in July. Photographed at Decatur High School in Federal Way Tuesday, June 12, 2018. 206588

Unified sports teams like this Federal Way flag football squad epitomize Special Olympics spirit

The Special Olympics will feature several unified sports. These teams combine "partners" -- people without intellectual disabilities -- with athletes, those with intellectual disabilities -- competing as equals on the same team.

Andy and Colleen Bryant – they’re not related – are national caliber Special Olympics athletes that local shoe company Brooks recently signed to elite athlete contracts. They train at Green Lake Thursday, June 21, 2018. (Dean Rutz / The Seattle Times)

With historic Brooks sponsorship, this track duo is pushing for inclusive definition of 'athlete'

Colleen and Andy Bryant are the first Special Olympics athletes to ever sign sponsorship deals. They're shooting for gold at the Special Olympics USA Games

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