Spread the Word to End the Word_™ is an ongoing effort by Special Olympics, Best Buddies International and our supporters to raise the consciousness of society about the dehumanizing and hurtful effects of the word “retard(ed)” and encourage people to pledge to stop using the R-word. 

The campaign, created by youth, is intended to engage schools organizations and communities to rally and pledge their support at www.r-word.org and to promote the inclusion and acceptance of people with intellectual disabilities.

The Spread the Word to End the Word campaign released a hard-hitting public service announcement (PSA) called "Not Acceptable."  View the PSA below.

We Have Reached Our Goal of 1,746 Scarves!!!!  Thanks for your support.

What is the 2012 Scarf Project?

Handmade scarves donated as a result of the 2012 Special Olympics USA Scarf Project will be a symbol of unity, support, compassion and empowerment, as the Special Olympics Pennsylvania athletes, coaches, families, volunteers and supporters wear them with pride during the 2012 Winter Games and State Floor Hockey Tournament.

The idea for a scarf project resulted from an opportunity to provide a gift of welcome for the athletes of the 2009 Special Olympics World Winter Games held in Boise, Idaho. A call went out for 5,000 Red Heart delft blue & white scarves, and by Games time nearly 60,000 scarves had arrived from every state in the U.S. and from 12 countries around the world.

In 2011, the Special Olympics USA Scarf Project spread its wings and went national! Thirty-five Special Olympics Programs participated, and by the conclusion of the project in March 2011, we had received over 26,000 scarves and contributed to an unprecedented sense of unity, support and community for the athletes and the Special Olympics Movement as a whole.

May 9, 2011 - February 29, 2012

National AT&T Partnership

AT&T and Special Olympics have announced the launch of a new cause-related marketing initiative to support the organization and its mission to provide year-round sports training and athletic competition for children and adults with intellectual disabilities. 

As part of this initiative, AT&T will make a donation to Special Olympics in the amount of $40 for each online purchase made on eligible AT&T products and services through our partnership micro site, www.att.com/specialolympics.   The donations program runs from May 9, 2011 through February 29, 2012.

“Special Olympics makes a tremendous difference in the lives of thousands of athletes and their families,” said David Christopher, Chief Marketing Officer, AT&T Mobility and Consumer Markets.  “AT&T is proud to be a sponsor and supporter of Special Olympics’ mission, and with the help of customers and supporters, we are excited to assist the organization as it transforms communities with programs that drive acceptance, inclusion and respect.”

AT&T is also deeply committed to enriching and strengthening diverse communities and has a long history of supporting Special Olympics efforts. By sharing unique moments with Special Olympics athletes and teams, while at the same time raising funds for the organization, AT&T is able to support athletes, their families and communities.

“Thanks to individuals and to unique corporate programs like this new AT&T initiative, we are able to continue to enrich and advance the lives of athletes and their communities,” said Brady Lum, President and Chief Operating Officer, Special Olympics.

Bank of America and Special Olympics have joined forces to turn everyday purchases into extraordinary experiences for athletes with intellectual disabilities.    

With the Special Olympics Visa credit card and personal checking account, you can help give children and adults with intellectual disabilities opportunities to develop physical fitness, demonstrate courage, experience joy and participate in a sharing of gifts, skills and friendship with their families, other Special Olympics athletes and their communities. †

During the promotion period, for each new Special Olympics Visa credit card with WorldPoints rewards account opened and used, Special Olympics will receive from Bank of America a contribution of $1, as well as a contribution of 15 cents for every $100 you make in qualified purchases. ††Learn more  

During the promotion period, for each personal checking account opened, Special Olympics will receive $10 and an additional $5 on each annual anniversary of the account opening, subject to a minimum balance requirement.  Special Olympics will also receive 10 cents for every $100 you make in qualified purchases with the Special Olympics branded debit card.  Learn more

Be a fan and show your support each time you use the Special Olympics Visa credit card!  Click here, for more information!

Show your continuing support for our mission with the Special Olympics personal checking account!  For more information, click here.

†Standard check orders fees apply

††For information about the rates, fees, other costs and benefits associated with the use of this credit card, click on the link above and refer to the disclosures accompanying the online credit card application.  This credit card program is  issued and administered by FIA Card Services, N.A.

Carry a Bank of America Special Olympics credit card and turn everyday purchases into extraordinary experiences for athletes with intellectual disabilities.  Learn more.  

Do you love to read magazines?

You can help Special Olympics Pennsylvania by ordering or renewing your favorite magazines through our partner, DialAmerica.  You’ll get BIG discounts and DialAmerica will contribute 12 1/2% of your paid subscription to us.  It’s easy and costs you nothing.  Order today.