State Council News

Special Olympics

Posted Mar 05, 2010
by Mark


By Jack Harvey, Special Olympics Chairman
The Special Olympics movement is about dignity, self confidence, ability and respect. There are more than 32,000 athletes in Texas who not only exemplify those qualities and many more, but are also outstanding and accomplished athletes. We would like to invite our brother knights to attend upcoming Special Olympics Texas events and witness our athletes’ abilities and “can do” attitudes.

Through this kind of involvement, people’s perceptions of those with intellectual disabilities can begin to be changed, hopefully leading toward more accepting and inclusive communities for all.
Words hurt and words matter. Words can cause pain and result in stereotypes that are unfair and damaging to people with intellectual disabilities. And using “Special Olympics” in a negative or derogatory context can be a humiliating put-down to people with special needs.

This is a teachable moment for our country. We are asking young people, parents and leaders from all walks of life to engage in conversation and help dispel negative caricatures about people with intellectual disabilities. We believe that it’s only through open conversation and dialogue about how stereotypes can cause pain that we can begin to work together to create communities of acceptance and inclusion for all.

Special Olympics is not a program, but a worldwide movement operating 30,000 events a year in more than 180 countries. Every one of them is a chance for people of all ages to get involved, to think differently about attitudes and perceptions they may have about people with intellectual disabilities, and to make a difference.

Additionally, we challenge policy leaders at all levels to commit to improving the support and resources for people with intellectual disabilities in areas such as healthcare, education, housing and recreation.

ERASE THE R-WORD
(It’s never okay to say)

Using the R-Word to describe people with intellectual disabilities or even using the R-Word in any manner is hurtful and disrespectful.

Unified Sports Teams allow athletes to participate in sports activities with peers without disabilities. Unified Sports teams are comprised of equal numbers of Special Olympics athletes, friends, family members, staff, or other partners. These teams practice and compete together against other teams of the same composition, or can compete on city or intramural leagues. It is truly an opportunity for everyone to get involved.

Volunteers are the lifeline of the Special Olympics program. “Giving generously of time to help others will set the stage for a hopeful future.” In answering the call to volunteer, we Knights need only do more of what we already do as individuals and councils: recruit more men and their families to our ranks to help with the growing needs around us. Visit our Web Site @ http://www.tkofcso.org for dates and locations of upcoming Spring and Summer games.

The Knights of Columbus Partnership Profile with Special Olympics (Form 4584) to be submitted by January 31) details our councils’ involvement – events attended, dollars contributed, man hours devoted to various Special Olympics competitions. 217 councils responded with 59 councils reporting volunteer activity. Supreme awards a maximum of $9,000 annually to each State Council. We expect to receive $6,500 for 2009.

Financial Support is essential to maintain and enhance the programs for the Special Olympics athletes.

We have a cell phone recycling program under way—free $$ through Eco-Phones. This is a no cost program for councils, chapters, assemblies and squire circles. Eco-Phone will supply the shipping label and pay the shipping charges. See http://www.Eco-Phones.com for details.

Special Olympics pins are available from your Diocesan and District Deputies for a donation of $5.00.
Thanks to all for your continued support of Special Olympics.