Special Olympics debuts sport Saturday. Then kids race for trip to nationals in Seattle

Washington’s Special Olympics are adding a new competition and it launches Saturday morning on Green Lake in Seattle.

Standup paddleboarding is joining the selection of sports offered at the games as Special Olympics Washington prepares for the 2018 national championships. Saturday morning’s event concludes with an 11 a.m. race to qualify for the Special Olympic USA Games.

A statement released Friday by the organization says “nearly 10 competitors” will vie for a spot on the Team Washington. The 2018 Special Olympics USA Games are scheduled to be held in Seattle with more than 4,000 athletes expected to compete in 14 team and individual sports.

Saturday’s event is at the Green Lake Boathouse, 7251 East Green Lake Dr. N., Seattle, and starts at 9 a.m. A demonstration of the sport is planned for 10:30 a.m. For more information visit specialolympicswashington.org.

This story was originally published September 22, 2017 at 6:04 PM with the headline "Special Olympics debuts sport Saturday. Then kids race for trip to nationals in Seattle."