On February 8, 2012, a delegation of Special Olympics Pennsylvania (SOPA) and Best Buddies Pennsylvania representatives traveled to Washington, D.C. to participate in the annual Capitol Hill Day. Each year on this day, Special Olympics and Best Buddies join forces to speak directly with members of Congress and make sure people with intellectual disabilities are top of the mind when critical decisions are made for the country. 

Participants included SOPA athlete Chris Jagielski and his mother Terri Jagielski; SOPA Board Member Tom Baker; SOPA Western PA Director of Development Kraig Mahokus; Jenny Zhong of Special Olympics International Project Unify; and Allison Wolkin of Best Buddies Pennsylvania.

On Capitol Hill Day, Special Olympics and Best Buddies supporters urged members of Congress to support critical government programs that offer people with intellectual disabilities greater access to essential human services.  Specifically, they advocated for the passing of The Eunice Kennedy Shriver Act, which builds on legislation passed in 2004 and 2009 and continues the legacy of Eunice Kennedy Shriver, founder of Special Olympics and longtime board member of Best Buddies. If passed, this Act would authorize funds for specific programs supporting people with intellectual disabilities in sports, health, education and employment program initiatives.

The delegation from Pennsylvania met with ten representatives in Washington and distributed information to two others. After the meetings, Special Olympics athletes and Best Buddies friends, teachers, coaches, and family members gathered for a candlelight vigil as a tribute to Shriver and a reminder of everyone’s ability to aid in the fight for equality.