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Adaptive Sport & Community Impact in Seattle–Tacoma
Join us for a series of connected moments—conversation, competition, and community investment—are coming together to redefine what inclusive sport.
Redefining the Game: Blind and Deaf Soccer on the World Stage
Thursday, May 21 | Rough & Tumble | Ballard WA | 7pm - 9pm
A powerful evening spotlighting professional blind and deaf soccer, featuring elite athletes, coaches, and global leaders at the forefront of adaptive sport. Through focused panels on athlete experience, high-performance coaching, and the global growth of blind and deaf soccer, the program explores how communication, strategy, and innovation are redefining the game at the highest levels.
From tactile and auditory gameplay in blind soccer to the visual language and team dynamics of deaf soccer, this event highlights what world-class competition looks like when access and excellence meet. The evening sets the stage for Seattle’s role in advancing inclusive sport—closing with community dialogue, connection, and a shared vision for the future of the game.
The event features opening remarks from Leo Flor and three engaging panels exploring athlete experience, high-performance coaching, and how global events like the FIFA World Cup 2026™ can accelerate inclusion and accessibility.
Featured participants include:
- Kelyn Rowe, former Seattle Sounders player
- Sydney Andrews, U.S. Women’s Deaf National Team
- Charles Catherine, U.S. Men’s Blind National Team
- Jen Barnes, Founder and CEO, Rough & Tumble
- Amy Griffin, former Head Coach, U.S. Women’s National Deaf Team
- Jorge Polanco, Head Coach, U.S. Men’s Blind Soccer Team
- Vinnie Donati, Strategic Initiatives, Business Management CELA Accessibility, Microsoft
- Peter Tomozawa, CEO, SeattleFWC26 Local Organizing Committee
- Michael Holmes, President, U.S. Association of Blind Athletes
- Simon Dey, Finance and Strategy Director, OneCourt
The evening concludes with a community Q&A and meet-and-greet, offering an opportunity to connect directly with athletes, coaches, and leaders driving inclusive sport forward ahead of the 2028 Paralympics and FIFA World Cup 2026™.
Learn More about Rough & Tumble
Blind Soccer International Tournament
May 23 & 24 | Interbay Stadium | Ballard WA | Schedule Below
The Blind Soccer International Tournament (May 23–24, 2026, at Interbay Stadium) brings together the U.S., Kazakhstan, and Peru national teams for a first-of-its-kind international competition in the Pacific Northwest. Hosted by SeattleFWC26 in partnership with the U.S. Association of Blind Athletes and Ballard FC / Salmon Bay FC, the event combines elite match play with community engagement and education. Designed to elevate visibility, expand access, and build long-term momentum for adaptive sport, the tournament positions Seattle as a growing hub for Blind Soccer while advancing accessibility as a core part of the FIFA World Cup 2026™ legacy.
Saturday, May 23
- 11:00 AM PT: USA vs. Peru
- 1:45 PM PT: Kazakhstan vs. Peru
- 3:00–4:30 PM PT: Fan Engagement & Community Activation
Sunday, May 24
- 11:00 AM PT: USA vs. Kazakhstan
- 12:30 PM PT: Awards Ceremony and Photo Opportunities
Event is free and open to all! No tickets required.
Learn More & Register to Participate
Visa Street Soccer Park – Grand Opening (Legacy Project)
Thursday May 28th | 4pm | Gault Field 1115 E Division Ln | Tacoma WA
In Tacoma, on the ancestral homeland of the Puyallup Tribe of Indians, a lasting legacy is taking shape. A new community soccer park—featuring professional-grade turf fields, flexible play space, and year-round programming—will provide local youth with free, high-quality access to the game. Built through a powerful public-private partnership, the park is designed not only for everyday play, but also as a regional hub for blind soccer, with dedicated equipment and field configurations to support adaptive training. Together, these efforts extend beyond a single moment. They build momentum, expand opportunity, and ensure that accessibility, community connection, and long-term impact remain at the heart of Seattle’s FIFA World Cup 2026™ legacy.
