Jim Zorn

RESUME: An NFL quarterback for 11 years and an NFL coach for 15 years. Member of the Seahawks Ring of Honor.

WHY DID YOU WANT TO BE AN AMBASSADOR? When I was a kid, my neighbor had Down Syndrome. His name was Louis and he and I became best friends. We’d goof around, shoot baskets, and have fun. So from a young age I realized we’re all more alike than we think and I’ve always looked for ways to be involved in efforts like Special Olympics.

WHAT ADVICE DO YOU HAVE FOR ATHLETES? If they’ve made it to the USA Games in Seattle, they’ve experienced a lot of sacrifice already. They’ve also experienced success. So make sure you get a feel for how this experience is going to be different. There’s a process to this entire adventure, so be sure to enjoy that process. Take a lot of pictures and try to express to others around you how you feel about what you’re trying to accomplish.

HOW WILL SEATTLE REACT TO THE GAMES? There’s a lot of enthusiasm being generated already and the games are still over a year away. Seattle will be excited about the competition and will participate in many different ways. The community will be very accommodating and will show that famous Northwest pride that’s a big part of everything we do.

WHAT’S YOUR FAVORITE THING TO DO IN SEATTLE? Drive up to Mt. Rainier. Get to Paradise or Sunrise and hike around. The mountain is just spectacular. If you’re in the city, take a seaplane ride at Kenmore Air.