Dave Lenox

RESUME: President & CEO, Special Olympics Washington

WHY DID YOU WANT TO BE A BOARD MEMBER? It’s a way to help the games and help the movement. I’ve been involved as a local person, I’ve been involved at the state level, and I’ve been involved at the international level. I know what the goals are both for the community and for the movement. I hope my contribution is to help maximize the impact and do these games really well to set a good example for the rest of the world.

WHAT SPORTS DID YOU PLAY? Running and competing in triathlons and marathons.

WHAT DID YOU LEARN FROM SPORTS THAT YOU’VE APPLIED TO YOUR CAREER? The biggest lesson I’ve learned is that if you want to get better at something, try teaching it to someone else. When I had to break down the swim stroke that you use in open water in a triathlon and show someone else how to do it I suddenly noticed my swim times were getting better. I think it’s because I was more aware of what I was doing. The same thing applies to working in business. Teaching someone a new skill helps you learn new nuances that make you better at the job.

WHAT DO YOU THINK THE GAMES WILL MEAN TO THE CITY OF SEATTLE? The best thing about this will be people in Seattle realizing that we are a cool place for people with different abilities. Seattle is a progressive place and a great place to live. But when we see the rest of the country come here people are going to realize that we are good at this kind of thing. We do the right thing and we do it well. We are good at coming together for a good cause. I think people will also learn that disability is nothing to be afraid of. After the games the people of Seattle will have a whole new circle of friends.

WHAT SHOULD ATHLETES SEE AND DO WHILE THEY ARE IN SEATTLE? I like to find hikes with good mountain views. The natural beauty here is so amazing. The beauty of it is you don’t have to drive far to get out for a hike that’s amazing.