Special Olympics Illinois R-Word PSA with Rob Johnson

Rob Johnson of CBS2 Chicago encourages people to Spread the Word to End the Word (retard) in this PSA for Special Olympics Illinois, produced by Bob Remedi.


Uploaded by SOIllinois on Feb 10, 2010

The R-Word
Ways Everyone Can Make a Difference on 3-2-11 and Beyond

The use of the R-Word is hurtful and demeaning to people with intellectual disabilities. Join Special Olympics and youth leaders in eliminating use of the words “retard” or “retarded” and supporting Special Olympics athletes. Here’s how:
■Join thousands of students throughout Illinois and the United States in helping to Spread the Word to End the Word. Take the pledge to not use the R-Word and encourage your Facebook friends to take the pledge.
■Plan an event on the official Spread the Word day 3-2-11 or at any time during the year. Check out the Spread the Word Toolkit.
■Watch TV public service spots to End the R-Word with SO College leader Soeren Palumbo of Palatine and Rob Johnson of CBS2 Chicago.
■Watch the "One" music video on YouTube created at last year's Youth Leadership Forum at Hersey High School in Arlington Heights. A DVD is available to schools and groups from the Special Olympics Illinois communications department. Download the lyrics to "One."

Ask a Global Messenger (athlete ambassadors for Special Olympics) to speak to your group about how Special Olympics has impacted their life. You can hear Illinois Global Messenger Danie Smrokowski and his thoughts and interviews on his podcasts, including an interview with SO College Coordinator Soeren Palumbo.
■College studentswho want to make a difference can register for SO College at the Special Olympics website
■Get a group together and support fundraisers like the Polar Plunge
■Join Special Olympics Illinois as an athlete or get an eligible family member involved
■Volunteer and recruit friends and co-workers to volunteer at local Special Olympics events
■Become “fans in the stands” & organize “cheer teams”
■Organize assemblies at your school
■Start Unified Sports at your school or local Special Olympics ageny – equal numbers of Special Olympics athletes and peers on the same team (bocce, golf, tennis and volleyball)
■Post information on school or work websites
■Put together teams of volunteers for specific competitions
■Become an ambassador – tell your friends and family members that we need their support!
■Provide financial support to these outstanding athletes

**Please visit Special Olympics Illinois - click headline or go to:
http://www.soill.org/index.php