SEATTLE – When the Special Olympics USA Games come to Seattle this summer, Seattle Pacific will be one of the places rolling out a big welcome mat.
 
SPU will be the host for the gymnastics competition. That portion of the week-long Games will take place in Brougham Pavilion on Tuesday, Wednesday and Thursday, July 3-4-5.
 
Each of the three days will feature two sessions. All sessions are free to the public.
  "We are beyond thrilled to be hosting a portion of the Special Olympics USA Games this summer," school Athletic Director Jackson Stava said. "There are few organizations whose missions are as widely celebrated as Special Olympics, which has made for a fantastic partnership.
 
"I'm certain that the character and hospitality of our student-athletes, coaches, faculty, and staff will be on full display as we welcome these world-class athletes and coaches to Royal Brougham Pavilion."
 
Approximately 3,000 athletes competing in 14 sports are expected to visit the Puget Sound area.
 
Opening ceremonies are set for Sunday, July 1, at Husky Stadium. At the end of the competition, closing ceremonies will be a Lake Union Park on Friday, July 6.
 
Some volunteer positions have been filled, but opportunities are still available for set-up (June 29), tear-down (July 5) and during the event proper (July 3-5). Anyone wishing to volunteer can do so by visiting http://bit.ly/SO18SPU. Then, click "Select" under "Access Coded Companies and Groups." From there, enter the access code SPU2018 and select a volunteer training time in addition to a desired shift. Registration then can be completed by following the prompts.
 
Additional information about volunteering is available by contacting Kristin McGunnigle, SPU's Fan Engagement and Corporate Sponsorship Coordinator at (206) 281-2855, or by e-mailing her at kristinm@spu.edu
 
 

"I am very proud that the vast majority of volunteers for the gymnastics portions of the USA Games come from the SPU Falcon family," Athletic Director Stava said. "Between coaches, alumni, student athletes, administrators, and others on campus, this event will be largely staffed by our community.  This show of support, while not a surprise to me as it is reflective of this university's mission, will undoubtedly make an impact for all those in attendance."

Over the years, Brougham Pavilion has been the site of numerous major gymnastics events, including the NCAAs and USA Gymnastics Collegiate National Championships.