LYNNWOOD, Wash.--(BUSINESS WIRE)--Comcast, a partner of Special Olympics Washington, today announced the launch of a public service announcement (PSA) campaign, aimed at raising awareness for the Special Olympics 2018 USA Games held in Seattle, Washington July 1-6, 2018. The four PSA spots each feature a Washington Special Olympics athlete who will compete in the games.
The public service announcements are part of a more than $1.7 million cash and in-kind contribution by Comcast as a corporate sponsor of the 2018 Special Olympics USA Games and partner with Special Olympics Washington. Click here to watch the televised PSAs that will air Comcast Cable TV channels and networks throughout the company’s Washington footprint.
Special Olympics athletes featured in the PSA campaign include Francesca Ronan, Andrew Fowler, Aaron Evans and Kael Romero:
- Francesca “Frannie” Ronan is a delightful, enthusiastic eight-year-old gymnast from Kirkland, Washington and a member of the Seattle Gymnastics Academy. Frannie will display her skills by competing in events such as the balance beam, uneven bars, vaulting, and floor exercise. She is eager to share why the Special Olympics are such a big part of her life, and how it has helped her become a confident young athlete.
- Andrew Fowler is from Gig Harbor, Washington and is a standout member of the Tacoma Metro Parks track and field program. Andrew will compete in the standing long jump, 50-meter walk and 100-meter walk. He is a powerhouse walker who has participated in Special Olympics since 2012.
- Aaron Evans is from Green Acres in the Spokane Valley and a member of the Spokane Wolfpack Special Olympics team. Aaron will compete in stand up paddle boarding. Though he has participated in various Special Olympics events since 2002, this will be his first year competing in stand up paddle boarding.
- Kael Romero is from Camas, Washington and a member of the Clark County Eagles program. Kael and his mother Sheri will compete in doubles Bocce Ball. Kael is a talented multi-season athlete who trains year-round and has participated in Special Olympics for five years.
“Comcast has a longstanding commitment to diversity and inclusion, and been a proud partner with the Special Olympics for almost a decade,” said Amy Lynch, Regional Vice President, Comcast Washington. “We embrace all forms of diversity including abilities, and the Special Olympics changes the lives of those involved by providing year-round support to children and adults with intellectual disabilities. We are honored to sponsor of the 2018 games, continue to partner with Team Washington, and celebrate the courage and tenacity of these local competitors.”
To generate added excitement for the upcoming games, Special Olympics Washington and Comcast will hold athlete appreciation events this month for Frannie Ronan, Andrew Fowler and Aaron Evans at Xfinity retail stores in Seattle, Tacoma and Spokane. Each athlete will highlight their respective sport and meet with fans in person from 11:00 a.m. to 1:00 p.m. on the following dates and locations:
- Frannie Ronan will be available to meet her fans in person on Saturday, June 9 at Xfinity retail store located at 2022 Westlake Ave., Suite 116, Seattle, WA 98121.
- Andrew Fowler will be available to meet his fans in person on Saturday, June 16 at the Xfinity retail store located at 5935 6th Ave., Tacoma, WA 98406.
- Aaron Evans will be available to meet his fans in person on Saturday, June 16 at the Xfinity retail store located at 4423 N Division St., Spokane, WA 99207.
About Special Olympics Washington
Special Olympics Washington provides year-round sports training and competition for children and adults with intellectual disabilities. By participating in sports, physical fitness and healthcare education programs, Special Olympics Washington athletes increase self-confidence and social skills, improve physical and motor skills, and have better success in leading more independent lives.
About the 2018 Special Olympics USA Games
The 2018 Special Olympics USA Games will be held in Seattle, Washington July 1-6, 2018. More than 4,000 participants representing all 50 states and the District of Columbia, along with the support of tens of thousands of volunteers and spectators, will compete in 14 Olympic-type team and individual sports. The 2018 Special Olympics USA Games will celebrate the Special Olympics movement and its 50th anniversary; promote the ideals of acceptance and inclusion through sport; and showcase athletes from throughout the U.S. and the abilities of people with intellectual disabilities. The 2018 USA Games will also highlight Special Olympics’ work in sport, education, health and community building.
For more information on the 2018 Special Olympics USA Games, please visit www.SpecialOlympicsUSAGames.org and follow on Facebook (@SpecialOlympicsUSAGames), Twitter (@2018USAGames) and Instagram (@SpecialOlympicsUSAGames).
About Comcast
Comcast Corporation (Nasdaq: CMCSA) is a global media and technology company with two primary businesses, Comcast Cable and NBCUniversal. Comcast Cable is one of the nation’s largest video, high-speed internet, and phone providers to residential customers under the XFINITY brand, and also provides these services to businesses under the Comcast Business brand. It also provides wireless and security and automation services to residential customers under the XFINITY brand. NBCUniversal operates news, entertainment and sports cable networks, the NBC and Telemundo broadcast networks, television production operations, television station groups, Universal Pictures and Universal Parks and Resorts. Visit www.comcastcorporation.com for more information.
