The Federal Way Farmers Market and the City of Federal Way have joined forces to introduce local Special Olympics athletes to the community and build excitement for the upcoming 2018 USA Games, which run July 1 to 6 throughout the Puget Sound including Federal Way.

The two organizations are teaming up to host the Rise With Us Rally at 10 a.m. Saturday, June 9, at the Commons Mall parking lot in Federal Way. Former Seattle Seahawks safety Jordan Babineaux will serve as event emcee. Federal Way resident Audrey Collins will sing the national anthem and the band Lost and Found will provide the entertainment.

Sen. Joe Fain (R-Auburn), Sen. Mark Miloscia (R-Federal Way), Rep. Kristine Reeves (D-Federal Way), Rep. Mike Pellicciotti (D-Federal Way) and Tiesha Clark, Mrs. Federal Way, will present Federal Way Special Olympians with flags and other items.

Mayor Jim Ferrell and City Council members will be present to support the 20 Federal Way residents participating in the 2018 USA Games who have achieved selection on the State of Washington Team.

“This event is a great chance for our community to show these athletes that we are really pulling for them when they are out there competing on such a big stage,” Federal Way Mayor Jim Ferrell said. “Civic engagement is among our top priorities and all citizens benefit from the Special Olympic Games through understanding, inclusion and support. It reminds us what is important in life.”

Attendees will also get the chance to hear from a few athletes who will be participating in the USA Games.

A soccer and flag football team with athletes from Federal Way will be represented. Competition at the 2018 Special Olympics USA Games will take place at University of Washington facilities and other nearby venues including Seattle University, the King County Aquatic Center and Celebration Park in Federal Way.

Athletes will compete for medals in basketball, bocce, bowling, flag football, golf, gymnastics, powerlifting, soccer, softball, standup paddleboard, swimming, tennis, track and field and volleyball. Event sponsors of the Rise With Us Rally include BECU, Trader Joe’s, Danforth and Associates, Assure Ride, The Woodmen, the Federal Way Mirror, Heritage Bank, Left Coast Street Wear, Walgreens, Federal Way Public Schools, Federal Way Parks Department and the South King County Aquatic Center.