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Teammates handcraft a new cauldron for Special Olympics Washington

Learn how more than 50 Boeing teammates worked together to design, build and deliver the symbol of the Games.

March 04, 2026 in Our-People

Above: Boeing team members who designed, built, and delivered the new cauldron stand with friends and family at the Special Olympics Washington 2026 Winter State Games in Wenatchee, Washington.

When the previous cauldron for Special Olympics Washington became too old and unsafe for athletes to light, a design contest was launched among Boeing engineers across Washington state. After the Special Olympics committee selected the final design in December, dozens of Boeing teammates from throughout Puget Sound began designing, engineering, manufacturing, welding, painting, assembling, and transporting the new cauldron.

  • The nearly finished design was unveiled on February 27 at the Special Olympics Washington 2026 Winter State Games in Wenatchee. Teams will complete final refinements, with the fully finished cauldron scheduled to debut at the Spring Games in May.
Daniel Johnson from the Auburn fabrication team (left), who welded the cauldron, stands with his son Eli and Doug Brown, Associate Technical Fellow, BCA Engineering (second from right), who created the detailed designs and also led the final assembly in Everett. The teammates shared the story of the cauldron’s creation with Mary Do, CEO of Special Olympics Washington (right).

Why it matters: This cross-functional team project reflects a five-decade partnership between Boeing and Special Olympics Washington. By doing the right thing, teammates contributed their skills to give athletes a safer, locally-built symbol for the Opening Ceremonies

How they did it:

  • Design Engineering took place at the Concept Center in Everett, Washington with Fabrication happening in Auburn, Washington.
  • Support teams from Engineering, Fabrication, Welding, Paint, Fulfillment and Transportation contributed time outside regular duties.
  • Tight handoffs and safety reviews between Auburn and Everett kept the project on schedule and ensured the cauldron met show and safety requirements.
  • While the Auburn team assembled the cauldron, the Everett team simultaneously created a wooden mock-up to verify the fit and function of the lighting and flame elements—saving time and ensuring they were fully prepared to integrate these systems upon the cauldron’s delivery.
The Everett team’s wooden mock-up of the cauldron, created to test the fit and function of lighting and flame elements ahead of the cauldron’s delivery.

Personal connections: Brian Hackwith, senior project manager for Commercial Airplanes Supply Chain and Fulfillment and project leader served as grand marshal. He shared his personal connection to the project through his son, Preston, who has Down Syndrome as he kicked off the Games. “Special Olympics reminds us that when we create space for everyone to compete and belong, we all rise together.”

Partner perspective: Mary Do, CEO of Special Olympics Washington, expressed gratitude for Boeing’s longstanding partnership and commitment.

  • “For 50 years, Special Olympics Washington has celebrated inclusion, belonging, and joy. When it was time to upgrade the cauldron—something our athletes truly deserve—we knew Boeing would deliver excellence,” said Do. “Boeing’s ongoing support and dedication means the world to our athletes and families. This partnership is felt every day, and we are incredibly grateful for Boeing’s time, talent, and treasure.”

What’s next: “I am so proud of the commitment of our company and our employees,” said Scott Mercer, Commercial Airplanes vice president of Fulfillment, Logistics & Program Integration, speaking at the opening of the Games. “You are the first to see this new cauldron — we will continue to work on this equipment and look forward to showing you the final version of the cauldron in May at the Spring Games.”