by Angela Smith, Sound Athletics Program Coordinator
Just a little over a month ago, our friend Les showed us all what it means to Be Brave in the Attempt at the 2026 State Track Meet, and his teammate Brandon showed us what it truly means to show up for a friend! Those of us who witnessed the 200M walk with these two remarkable men have shed so many joy-filled tears while sharing their beautiful story.
What we didn’t know was that this shared experience of courage and compassion would continue to blossom.
On June 23, Brenda and Angela received this email from Mary Do, the CEO of Special Olympics Washington: “Our partners at Swire Coca-Cola have generously gifted Special Olympics Washington four tickets to the upcoming FIFA World Cup match on July 6. After hearing Les and Brandon’s story from the State Games, I cannot think of a better way to honor their incredible sportsmanship, friendship, and courage. Les and Brandon reminded all of us what it means to “Be Brave in the Attempt” — not only through competition, but through compassion, trust,and looking out for one another. Brandon’s decision to stay by Les’ side and help him rebuild his confidence is something we will not forget… Please let me know if this is something the four of you are able to attend.”
We acted quickly! I reached out to Brandon’s cousin to see if he was available; the answer was met with a resounding YES! Next up, was to see if Les was available. So, while sharing lunch together, Brenda tapped Les on the shoulder and asked to speak with him. Brenda explained that the four of us had been invited to attend the FIFA World Cup match on July 6th, that we didn’t know who was playing, but wanted to know if he would like to go, another resounding YES!
We pulled ourselves together, smiling broadly, and let Mary know we were IN! The next step was planning our trip and sorting out all the logistics needed to attend the match:
- Transportation… ORCA card and Light Rail Schedule … CHECK!
- Spending money for the cashless event … debit cards .. CHECK!
- Clear Bag Policy … 33 pages later … CHECK!
- The Do’s and Don’ts while attending a FIFA World Cup Match at Seattle Stadium … CHECK!
- Emergency Contacts … CHECK!
- WAIT, what are we going to wear??
- It just so happens that Angela had purchased the last 4 Team USA jerseys from the local warehouse store, Brenda looked at them, smiled, and said “what would make these perfect is to get our team logo put on the back with the Special Olympics Washington logo.” So, I rushed to our friends at 253 Custom Tees to see if this was possible. I told them about our opportunity and wondered if they could help us, another resounding “YES, we got you!” … matching jerseys … CHECK!
By the time the sun set on July 1, we knew the match Monday was confirmed – USA vs Belgium – WOW! Jerseys were ready to pick up, Coach Shannon surprised the guys USA soccer-themed bracelets, our lists were complete, and we were set to go! Then while picking up some last-minute items on the 4 of July, I stopped by a Kick Off Great Savings event in front of the grocery store. As I chatted with one of the greeters at the event, was asked if I was going to go watch the match on Monday. After sharing about Brandon & Les, buying a BOGO on Cheez-It’s, and kicking a soccer ball through a goal, I walked away with free swag for us all— USA/Cheez-It scarves, sticker books, cookies, towels, koozies, and more. At every turn, people wanted to share in this experience, helping to make it even more special.
Finally, July 6 was here! We met, put on our matching jerseys, got in our photo ops, then headed out on our adventure together – Light Rail here we come! As we boarded the Light Rail heading to Seattle Stadium, we began having conversations with people who just wanted to experience the downtown vibe, individuals heading to the match, and other fans just making their way to watch parties. We were blown away by the excitement everyone expressed, the kind smiles from complete strangers, jerseys and signs from around the world, and the tremendous anticipation of what was next.
After disembarking, we headed to the exit where we experienced a steep hill and uneven ground. I reached to assist Les, when Brandon said, “I got this, I got my friend,” and he grabbed Les’ his hand, and made sure he was safe every step of the way.
We continued our journey through Pioneer Square awestruck! The aroma of foods from around the world, children playing soccer and ping pong, and there were so many fans wearing their national team jerseys. All around us, fans were decked out in USA-themed attire—from plush bald eagle hats to huge patriotic headwear to red, white, and blue striped onesies and many painted faces all while spontaneously chanting of “U-S-A! U-S- A!” The vibe was awesome!
We stopped by and spoke with an officer with the Seattle Police Department. Les and Brandon shared their story, and the officer offered them job applications, but the guys settled on magnets and stickers instead. Next, we headed to the FIFA store where Les found exactly what he was looking for, a FIFA logoed Hat! Once paid for, he asked the clerk to cut the tags off, he popped it on and we were ready to go help Brandon find a shirt. Just around the corner there was a vendor selling shirts and Brandon found what he was looking for, a FIFA shirt with flags from around the world.
With our FIFA gear purchases complete, we continued to the Stadium, collecting fun freebies and taking more pictures along the way. We breezed through security, got in (and out) of some fan experience lines, took more photos, and decided on lunch.
Food and Cokes in hand, we headed to our seats on the 300 level. We sat and took in the midfield view, listened to the Blue Thunder Drumline, watched all the prematch preparations, and chatted with the neighboring fans. Then the countdown to the kickoff came and match started – more cheers and chants echoed throughout the Stadium, it was electric! What made it even more fun was every time the sprinklers on the field came on, Les and his seat neighbors tapped each other on the arm and had a good chuckle over the field’s hydration break.
As the match started, Belgium scored early making it 0-1. Later the USA tied it up with a penalty kick which resulted in high fives and fist bumps all around to accompany all the loud cheers; only to quieted again a minute later with another Belgium goal. As halftime approached, we started talking more with the fans in front of us, Rebecca and Edna. We found out that Rebecca works for Swire Coca Cola, travelled in June with Team Arizona to the Special Olympics USA Games in Minneapolis, and has a son with special needs and that Edna is a Special Education/Vocational Educator in Arizona, loves her Brazil futbol, and is a proud Unified Basketball Coach. Talk about kismet! I explained to Rebecca that Swire was actually responsible for us being at the match by gifting 4 tickets to Special Olympics Washington and Mary Do had graciously offered them to the four of us from Sound Athletics because of the two remarkable men’s story of courage, friendship, and sportsmanship. After telling her the story, Rebecca stated, “we must get a photo together before we leave” and another emphatic YES was our response.
As the second half continued on, we saw the writing on the wall especially as Belgium scored their fourth goal with just seconds left to play. We sat quietly in the stands as the Stadium emptied, watching and listening to the Belgium fans relish in their victory through cheers and song, all the while with huge smiles on our faces. What a day, what an experience! Then Rebecca turned back around and said the better team won today but I think we should go to the FIFA store to get a shirt or a hat – her treat! Another emphatic YES!
As we waited in the line for FIFA merchandise, we learned more about the FIFA World Cup Trophy, that there is only one (winning team gets a replica), only FIFA Legends (players that have won before), FIFA World Cup Officials, and current heads of state are allowed to handle the Trophy, and that there is a World Cup Trophy parade that takes place as the winning team journeys home, celebrating the championship win!
Once we reached the front of the line, we saw many items were sold out. Les and Brandon looked for shirts but only youth sizes remained, so they turned to look at the hats. To our surprise, Brandon and Les got the last two matching FIFA USA World Cup 2026 ballcaps! Rebecca smiled and said let’s get another picture! As we were wrapping up our time together, Rebecca emailed the photos to us and a couple local Swire personnel, and said, “you know what, make sure you send me your sizes, and I will send you all Stripes jerseys once they restock.”
It took Brenda and me all week to figure out the right words to use to thank Swire Coca Cola, Rebecca, Edna, and Mary Do and express our gratitude but then while sharing the story with friends, it hit us:
“We have started this email several times this week, finding it difficult to express just how grateful we are. The awe of this entire experience has not diminished. At every turn, we found ourselves surrounded by so much kindness, inclusivity, and joy.
We never imagined the experience could be made even more memorable, but then we had the pleasure of meeting Rebecca Sandberger and her guest Edna. They generously shared their incredible stories and recent experiences – Rebecca with Swire Coca-Cola and the Special Olympics Arizona delegation at the Special Olympics USA Games and Edna as a Special Education & Vocational Educator and coaching unified basketball. Rebecca even purchased FIFA World Cup hats for us! Both Les and Brandon were so excited to show off their matching USA hats to friends and family.
So, please accept our heartfelt thanks for the incredible gift of FIFA World Cup 2026 tickets to what turned out to be the USA v Belgium match. Despite the outcome of the match, we came away with a win in being able to share this unforgettable experience together, meet such remarkable people, and celebrate with soccer fans worldwide. We also appreciate your support of Special Olympics Washington and for enhancing the lives of these phenomenal athletes—and remarkable human beings—who make this community so special. As they say, “Let me win. But if I cannot win, let me be brave in the attempt.” Special Olympics Athlete’s Oath Your kindness and generosity created memories that will last a lifetime!“
