Happy Friday

“We can’t help everyone, but everyone can help someone.”  ~Ronald Reagan

 

Buy a dictionary

“As a medical label for people with intellectual and developmental disabilities, the R-word used to be neutral, clinical, incapable of giving offense. But words are mere vessels for meaning, and ‘retarded’ has long since been put to other uses.” Read the full New York Times article, “A Word Gone Wrong”.

What Can YOU Do

Did you know that 50% more Special Olympics athletes have jobs than do their counterparts who are not involved in Special Olympics? Special Olympics works with the Campaign for Disability Employment to promote positive employment outcomes for people with disabilities by encouraging employers and others to recognize the value and talent they bring to the workplace.

“Because” is a new, inspirational video public service announcement for What can YOU do? the Campaign for Disability Employment. The PSA shown below challenges viewers to rethink how they perceive career prospects for youth with disabilities and to recognize that we all benefit when young people with disabilities are able to develop their skills and talents into successful careers. Learn more about the Campaign for Disability Employment.

Welcome new Area sponsor BASF

During a recent Special Olympics Louisiana Capital Area Track & Field event, BASF donated $5,000 to our organization to help many children and adults in the region with intellectual disabilities. BASF continuously supports employee volunteers and encourage them to take an active role in our local community and organizations. Joe Segura, BASF accounting manager, (pictured below) serves as a member of the Special Olympics Louisiana Capital Area Management Team.

Back row from left to right: Frank Zaeringer (Capital Area Management Team member), Joe Segura (Capital Area Management Team member and BASF accounting manager), Charles Guillory (apital Area Management Team member).

Front row from left to right: Donnie Guillory (Special Olympics Louisiana athlete), Charlie Courville (Special Olympics Louisiana Director of Outreach and Area Management), John Bailey (Site Controller, BASF) Audrey Segura (Capital Area Management team member), Carla Guillory (Capital Area Management team member).

How Will You Serve?

How will you serve on Memorial Day weekend?  How about volunteering for State Summer Games?

State Summer Games will take place on May 24th-26th on the campus of Southeastern Louisiana University.  Our athletes will compete in Bocce, Power Lifting, Track & Field, and Volleyball.

This is a great way to get your whole family involved in volunteering!  Don’t wait, register TODAY!

Who I am

St. Thomas More Cougars have something to say about the R-Word! Watch their video…

All the Things He Is

Kimberly Sosonka’s brother has autism, but that is the last thing that she sees in him.  The 20 year old writes in a recent blog post of what type of r-words her brother is… ridiculous and respectful to name a few.  She goes on to say, “what he isn’t is retarded.”

Check out Kimberly’s full blog post here.

BBQ Challenge

We are only 2 days away from the Blues and BBQ Challenge!  We will get things kicked off this Friday at 4pm in front of the Hammond Police Station.  There will be great music, great food, and great people.

Come out to downtown Hammond and support Special Olympics Louisiana!  Visit the website, for more info and for a schedule of entertainment.  You can also take a class to learn how to cook with the pros…

Thank You Volunteers

We cannot do all that we do without the support of our dedicated volunteers.  To all of our past, present, and future volunteers, we say THANK YOU!

“I shall pass through this world but once. Any good therefore that I can do or any kindness that I can show to any human being, let me do it now. Let me not defer or neglect it, for I shall not pass this way again.”
Mahatma Gandhi

 

I am a Person

Spread the Word to End the Word Day was March 6th. Lots of people made videos, posted pictures, wrote stories, etc. to share their opinion and draw awareness that the word “retard” is hurtful. With so much support this was the best R-Word day yet! Check out this video from Marana High School in Arizona. It is a must see!