Jane Repensek

RESUME: COO/CFO of the Seattle Opera

WHY DID YOU WANT TO BE ON THE BOARD? I was on the staff of Special Olympics Washington so I’m very familiar with the programs and the athlete experience. I was very excited to hear that the USA Games were coming to Seattle so we can highlight the values and virtues of living here.

WHAT SPORTS DID YOU OR DO YOU COMPETE IN? I’m a runner, a tennis player, and a hiker.

WHAT HAVE YOU LEARNED FROM SPORTS THAT YOU’VE APPLIED TO YOUR CAREER? I was a Title IX girl in the 70s who benefited from participating in the competitive sports arena. I learned about teamwork and friendship and resolving conflict.

WHAT WILL THE GAMES MEAN TO SEATTLE? I’m hoping that two primary things come out of the games. First, there are many people with intellectual disabilities in Washington who are not currently participating in Special Olympics. I hope this is a catalyst to increase participation in our state organization. Second, I’d like the lasting legacy of the games to be that people with intellectual disabilities are incorporated more fully into our lives.

WHAT SHOULD ATHLETES SEE AND DO IN SEATTLE? I love to go to the Ballard Locks and see the fish ladders, and to see how Lake Union meets the Sound. I marvel at the engineering of these locks. They’re over 100 years old and I think it’s cool that we were worried about the environment for fish 100 years ago. Discovery Park is nearby and it’s beautiful, too.