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"Join Our Quest"Special Olympics Virginia athlete John "Frank" Stephens shares a poem with the Huffington Post.
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Your Stories

January 27, 2017 | North America: Minnesota

Just me

By Dj Fischer

I was born with disabilities.I worked hard to be like everyone else. I been hurt be people say the r word to me. But I can do just as much as you.View Story ▼I was born with disabilities.I worked hard to be like everyone else. I been hurt be people say the r word to me. But I can do just as much as you.

About Dj Fischer:I was a special Olympics Minnesota athletes that push my self to do what I can and try my hards
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January 26, 2017 | SOI General: Headquarters

Special Olympics Participates on Panel at Georgetown University on "Changing Lives Through Sport"

By Robert Jones

Special Olympics participated in a panel at Georgetown University on January 25 for students in the Disability Studies Initiative. The panel introduced students to individuals with and without intellectual disabilities and how their lives have changed through their involvement in Special Olympics,View Story ▼Special Olympics participated in a panel at Georgetown University on January 25 for students in the Disability Studies Initiative. The panel introduced students to individuals with and without intellectual disabilities and how their lives have changed through their involvement in Special Olympics, as athletes, family members, volunteers, fans, coaches, community leaders, authors and staff. In addition to myself, Christy Weir, Ricardo Thornton, coaches Meredith and David Ficca and unified partner Sam Shriver all participated on the panel. The panel was moderated by Fred Bowen, the author of the book Perfect Game and a columnist for the Washington Post. The night started out by all of us giving a 5 minute speech on our experiences. I talked about the R-word and how it is not acceptable to use the word and how it affected me then and 30 years later, affects me to this day. Over 140 students attended and at the end of the night, they all signed the R-word banner, taking the pledge.

About Robert Jones:I am a member of the Marketing and Communications team and a Special Olympics Virginia athlete.
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January 25, 2017 | North America: Wisconsin

bullies

By Sacoiya

Hey I'm Sacoiya. I'm 18 years old and glad to take the pledge I grew up always protecting them that have disabilities.View Story ▼Hey I'm Sacoiya. I'm 18 years old and glad to take the pledge I grew up always protecting them that have disabilities. I was the one teachers came to to comfort the kids. I hate when people make fun of these kids. They are human too and they have purpose and meaning on this earth just as much as everyone else. I am their protector. Will u be one too and help end the r-word today?

About Sacoiya :
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January 25, 2017 | North America: Canada

The lesson I have learned

By Larry Danielson

I may not have been aware of this in the past, and I truly apologize for my previous actions.View Story ▼In the 17 months my son has been alive, I have learned how hurtful words can be. I may not have been aware of this in the past, and I truly apologize for my previous actions. I know I can't make up for the hurtful words I have used previously. But I can do my part to help stop the unnecessary hurt caused by hate speech and help to educate the public that words are weapons and they do hurt, no matter the context.

About Larry Danielson :Father to the best little boy, heavy equipment operator northern Alberta
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January 25, 2017 | Asia Pacific: Australia

Ignorant People

By michael landy

Some people love to use the R-word to offend people like us with a disability. It's ignorant people like them who make me sick. Abrasive, abrupt, curt and discourteous people who love to belittle. It's a horribile world we live in.View Story ▼Some people love to use the R-word to offend people like us with a disability. It's ignorant people like them who make me sick. Abrasive, abrupt, curt and discourteous people who love to belittle. It's a horribile world we live in.

About michael landy:A person that is tired of the belittling
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Spread the Word 03.01.2017

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We've Pledged!

  • I used to use the "r" word in everyday speech. I will try my hardest to stop.

    Megan Stanley

    Pullman, Washington

  • Everyone deserves to be treated and feel equal. I pledge to never use this word that degrades everyone possible.

    Megan Brett

    Ottawa, Canada

  • I have worked at a special needs camp for the last 3 years so ending this word is something that i take pride in.

    Alexa

    Marshall, Missouri

  • I pledge to stand for disability rights, see the ability, and give a voice to the voiceless.

    Eve Lampugnale

    Marlborough, Connecticut

  • Having a daughter who teaches Special Education in our local high school, the "R" word is a No, No!

    Sandra Farris

    Cuba, Missouri

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