SEATTLE, Wash. — Special Olympics Southern California\’s 66 USA Games athletes were greeted with a roaring arrival on Welcome Day when they landed at Seattle-Tacoma International Airport on Saturday afternoon.
Volunteers were waiting for the athletes as they stepped off the plane. The volunteers were equipped with pom-poms, some created signs and all of them cheered the athletes as they made their way through the terminal. The athletes got in the spirit, chanting \”S-O-S-C!\” as they made their way to baggage claim. But there was one more surprise waiting before they headed off.
The VIP treatment was topped off by representatives from United Airlines. Nicolette Jones, a 19-year-old swimmer from Temecula Valley (Inland Empire Region), was the star guest. They even brought her beverage of choice, a Coca-Cola, when she was greeted.
In April, Nikki was flown to Chicago to take part in a photo shoot for a United Airlines ad campaign for the 2018 USA Games. She was one of four Special Olympics athletes from around the country featured in the ad, which portrayed the athletes as superheroes. The tagline: Helping Superheroes Fly.
There is even a billboard near Los Angeles International Airport, but this was Nikki\’s first glimpse of the ad in the Sea-Tac Airport. The delighted look on her face said it all.
[embedyt]https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=gehuXIp2vcw[/embedyt]
In attendance also was United CEO Oscar Munoz:
Our partners always go the extra mile! @united’s CEO Oscar Munoz helped to welcome the #2018USAGames athletes to @SeaTacAirport! #RiseWithUs #VisitSeattle pic.twitter.com/ZprCFjHwkk
— 2018 USA Games (@2018USAGames) June 30, 2018
.@united’S CEO Oscar Munoz has all the feels about his experience with the #2018USAGames so far! Thank you for all your help! #RiseWithUs pic.twitter.com/OhNBzHhoXd
— 2018 USA Games (@2018USAGames) June 30, 2018
Other highlights along the way included a layover for half of the group in San Jose, Calif. There, it was a Southwest Airlines official who gave the athletes a free pair of sunglasses, and many were happily donning them as they boarded the flight to Seattle.
Overall, the building excitement for this day lived up to the hype. What a way to set the tone on the eve of Opening Ceremonies at University of Washington\’s Husky Stadium (broadcast information).
Stay tuned to www.sosctest.com/ for daily updates from the 2018 Special Olympics USA Games in Seattle, including photos, stories, and more.
