![]() ![]() Our school had been participating in the Special Olympics Spread the word to end the word campaigns and I learned about advocacy. I worked for them for 21 months during which time, I heard the r-word from management and co-workers more than 8 times.īecause Special Olympics taught me about inclusion, I had the confidence to stand up to my work and eventually leave my job knowing there were places I could work where I would be accepted. Now, after being in Special Olympics for 12 years, I had the confidence to go to college and get my associates degree in accounting in May 2022.Īfter graduating, I went on to work for a company in their accounting dept. I spent most of my time in a Special Ed classroom. JanuJustin Esala, Ashland (3-12 Chequamegon Bay)īeing involved with Special Olympics for the last 12 years has made me a healthier, happier more confident Wisconsin Citizen.īefore I started Special Olympics, I was an extremely shy person who had a hard time making friends – in fact it was hard for me to make eye contact. Governor’s Budget Listening Session – Superior Note: As these were speaking points for many of our Athlete Health Messengers, only minor spelling or grammar enhancements may have been added for clarity. “It wouldn’t beat us.Special Olympics Wisconsin Athlete Health Messengers representing all corners of the state toured with SOWI President & CEO Chad Hershner to numerous budget hearing sessions across the Badger State this spring, advocating for inclusive health programming.Ī component of Global Messenger Training, which equips athletes with tools for self-advocacy and helps athletes truly find their voice, Athlete Health Messenger training tailors these same tactics in the scope of health and wellness.Īs Special Olympics Wisconsin continues to provide integral health screenings and follow-up care, it is important to see first-hand how the efforts of our community partners and the funding and resources they provide truly change lives.įollowing are the stories of these Athlete Health Messengers, as read aloud at the listening sessions. The Olsons, whose scores typically run in the 140s and 150s, didn’t find the joke offensive, but Rich laughed when he heard the president’s score. ![]() It was factually incorrect as well.Ī 129 score would keep the president off the medal stand at several Special Olympic bowling events, according to recent results.īrothers Rich and Ted Olson have participated in the Games for more than three decades and don’t have enough space in their suburban Glen Ellyn, Ill., home for all their medals and ribbons. ![]() “Knowing the president the way I do, I would assume that he is horrified that he said this, and I think he will make every attempt to make something positive out of it,” she said.īut the president’s joke was more than just the perpetuation of a cruel stereotype, Special Olympians said. “We have been with him with Lauren, and he is nothing but totally respectful.” Still, she called it an unfortunate comment. “I think he was trying to make a comment about himself and his own skills, more than putting anyone else down,” Susan Axelrod said. His wife, Susan, was part of a delegation led last month by Vice President Joe Biden to the Special Olympics World Winter Games in Boise, Idaho. Obama’s comment also hit close to home for David Axelrod, the president’s top political guru and a senior White House advisor.Īxelrod’s daughter, Lauren, is a longtime Special Olympian who has competed in swimming and track and field events. “While I am confident that President Obama never intended to offend anyone, the response that his comments have caused, coupled with the reaction of a prime-time audience, demonstrate the need to continue to educate the non-disabled community on the issues that confront those with a developmental disability.” His sister, California First Lady Maria Shriver, issued a statement expressing disappointment with the president’s comments, as well as the laughter that followed it: ![]()
0 Comments
Leave a Reply. |
AuthorWrite something about yourself. No need to be fancy, just an overview. ArchivesCategories |