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WHAT - Spread the Word to End the Word_™ is an ongoing effort by Special Olympics, Best Buddies International and our supporters to raise the consciousness of society about 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 with a goal of reaching 100,000 pledges.

WHEN - Most activities are centered annually in March, but people everywhere can help spread the word throughout their communities and schools year-round thru pledge drives, youth rallies and online activation.

WHAT'S HAPPENING IN IOWA?  -   Schools in Iowa are encouraged to upload their activities once they become available at this Web site http://www.r-word.org/event.php.  For additional information, visit the Best Buddies Iowa Web site listed under the “Get Involved” tab of the site: http://www.bestbuddiesiowa.org/site/c.kwKVJdNXJrF/b.1211897/k.BF78/Home.htm.

WHO - The effort is spearheaded by college students Soeren Palumbo (Notre Dame 2011) and Tim Shriver (Yale 2011), and led by young people, Special Olympics athletes and Best Buddies participants across the country. Celebrity activist John C. McGinley of the hit show “Scrubs” is a spokesperson for the campaign.

 WHY- Respectful and inclusive language is essential to the movement for the dignity and humanity of people with intellectual disabilities.  However, much of society does not recognize the hurtful, dehumanizing and exclusive effects of the word “retard(ed).”   It is time to address the minority slur “retard(ed)” and raise the consciousness of society to its hurtful effects.

 HOW - Visit www.r-word.org to learn how you can Spread the Word to End the Word.

A new store specifically designed for Special Olympics Iowa is now available online.  A wide variety of clothing (t-shirts, sweatshirts, polos, shorts, and fleece jackets) and other items (mugs, mouse pads, wall clocks, blankets, coasters, ornaments, and magnets) are available.  The online store allows you to customize each item with one of our four available designs.

The 2010 National Games will be held in Lincoln, NE from July 17-23, with a departure date of July 24.  SOIA athletes and coaches are invited to apply to be a part of this amazing event.  Over 2000 athletes, coaches and staff members will participate in the games.  This is your chance to apply to be a part of the event.  For more information, and to download applications, click here.