Special Olympics Hosts R-Word Rally and Pledge to Show Respect at State Capitol with Georgia Dignitaries March 2

Contact:
Wendy Bigham
Senior Public Relations Manager
Special Olympics Georgia
wendy.bigham@specialolympicsga.org
Ph: 770-414-9390 ext.117
Fax: 770-216-8339
Cell: (404) 310-6846

FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE

February 10, 2011

SPECIAL OLYMPICS HOSTS R-WORD RALLY AND PLEDGE TO SHOW RESPECT AT STATE CAPITOL WITH GEORGIA DIGNITARIES MARCH 2

Atlanta – Special Olympics is hosting the Rally to Strike the R-word and Pledge to Show Respect March 2 at the State Capitol to encourage stop using the word “retard.” The day will be devoted to educating and raising awareness about individuals with intellectual disabilities and the offensive use of the “R-word.”

The rally will be at 11:30 a.m. Wednesday, which is a Georgia proclaimed “Strike the R-Word Day,” at the Georgia State Capitol Building at the north wing steps. The event is produced by the governor’s office and Special Olympics Georgia.

The event, which will run approximately 15 minutes, will feature Georgia State elected officials, a Special Olympics Georgia athlete and a youth forum leader who will talk about the importance of a safe, inclusive environment to foster acceptance, respect, and dignity for all people. The youth representative participated in a forum last summer at a week-long camp for athletes learning leadership skills through a youth leadership forum. Athletes, volunteers and dignitaries will also sign official pledges to eliminate the R-word.

The rally is part of the Spread the Word to End the Word campaign, which is an ongoing effort by Special Olympics, Best Buddies International and Special Olympics supporters to raise the consciousness of society and the dehumanizing and hurtful effects of the word “retard(ed)” and encourage people to pledge to stop using the R-word. The campaign, created by youth, is intended to engage schools, organizations and communities to rally and pledge their support at www.r-word.org in order to promote the inclusion and acceptance of people with intellectual disabilities.

About Special Olympics Georgia
SOGA provides year-round sports training and athletic competition in a variety of Olympic-type sports for children and adults with intellectual disabilities, giving them continuing opportunities to develop physical fitness, demonstrate courage, experience joy, and participate in the sharing of gifts, skills, and friendship with their families, other Special Olympic athletes and the community. For more information on Special Olympics Georgia, visit www.specialolympicsga.org

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On-site contact for Special Olympics Georgia: Robert Yost, Vice President of Programs, Special Olympics Georgia, 229-834-3434.