Matt Hasselbeck

RESUME: 18 year career as a QB in the NFL including 10 years with the Seattle Seahawks. Led the Seahawks to six playoff appearances including Super Bowl XL. ESPN broadcaster.

WHY BE AN AMBASSADOR? Special Olympics is an organization that everyone can get behind. My family was always involved in Special Olympics from the time I was a little kid. It’s one of the best things you can join.

ADVICE FOR COMPETITORS: Every time I attend a Special Olympics event it’s actually helped me more as an athlete. I leave every event with some great lesson that I’ve learned. I love the energy, passion, and spirit with which the athletes compete and I’d urge them to keep that up. It’s contagious and it’s awesome.

ON THE IMPACT OF THE GAMES IN SEATTLE: I think Seattle will embrace the fact that they get to host these games. Seattle is a great city and there’s always a lot going on. My hope is that everyone will understand what a great opportunity this is to host this event and that fans take advantage of it.

WHAT TO DO ON A DAY OFF: I would go to the east side of Lake Washington and visit downtown Kirkland and the Kirkland waterfront. I’d have lunch at the Santorini Grill and dinner at Cactus.