Seattle, WA – The Seattle Storm snapped their 11th game losing streak with a spirited 97-88 win over the Chicago Sky Monday night at Climate Pledge Arena. 11,655 fans in attendance watched the victory unfold during the team’s “Celebrate All Abilities Night”. A special evening of thoughtful programming and game modifications designed to create an inclusive and safe space for fans with disabilities and sensitivities.
Production changes were made ahead of the game to create a more sensory-friendly environment for fans in attendance. The music was quieter, and no cryo cannons or haze were used. To accommodate individuals with light sensitivities, strobe lights were eliminated and the arena’s house lights were dimmed. Extra Sensory kits, including fidget spinners and headphones, were available at Guest Service kiosks.
ASL interpreters were stationed court-side for fans with hearing impairments and appeared on the digital screens pairing with the Storm’s arena hosts.
Special guests from several Seattle non-profit organizations were invited to the event including Miss Wheelchair America – Washington State, Camp Korey, Washington Talking Book & Braille Library, Washington Include, and AIM who handed out inspirational stickers and toys.
Members of the Seattle Special Olympics were honored prior to the singing of the National Anthem and received a $20,000 check from Premera Blue Cross and U.S. Bank. Several of their basketball athletes participated in a skills contest coached by Doppler and Seattle SuperSonics legend, Detlef Schrempf.
Seattle Adaptive Sports discussed para-sports with curious fans at their table along the living wall and showcased wheelchair basketball during the half-time intermission.
Thom Youngblood, who manages the Seattle Kraken Sled team through Seattle Adaptive , was honored along with the evening’s Storm Surge Impact Leaders.
The theme night merch available in the team store featured the Celebrate All Abilities design inspired by the Storm lightning icon in the colors of the Disability Pride flag.
The charcoal gray background represents mourning and rage for victims of ableist violence, abuse, and discrimination. The diagonal stripes symbolizes cutting across and overcoming societal barriers.
The five colored stripes have several meaning:
- Red: Physical disabilities
- Gold (Yellow): Neurodivergence, cognitive, and intellectual disabilities
- White: Invisible, non-apparent, and undiagnosed disabilities
- Blue: Emotional and psychiatric disabilities, including mental health conditions
- Green: Sensory disabilities, including blindness and deafness.
Up Next: The Storm continue their Rivalry Series with the Fire hosting Portland Friday, August 14 at Climate Pledge Arena at 7 PM.
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