EUNICE KENNEDY SHRIVER DAY (EKS DAY) – 25 September 2010 - is an annual celebration of her life and a global call for people to commit actions of inclusion, acceptance and unity for and with people with intellectual disability.
Eunice Kennedy Shriver’s actions helped open the minds and hearts of all people to the gifts and talents of individuals with intellectual disabilities. As Special Olympics founder and Best Buddies supporter, she demonstrated an unrelenting indomitable spirit in action that one person could make a difference and change the world.
Today, our call to action begins with you. We invite you to celebrate this extraordinary woman’s legacy, and commit Eunice Kennedy Shriver Acts of unity, whether it’s Playing a sport, Joining in the Special Olympics and Best Buddies movement, or Building communities of inclusion.
Become an agent of acceptance and action throughout the world. Embrace the spirit of Eunice Kennedy Shriver Day, and on that day, ACT.
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.
Colin is a kid born with Down syndrome. He is not the Down syndrome kid. In My Name is Colin…and this is who I am, author, Brian A. Beale writes about the all-important topic of people-first language and the significant impact our words have on others. He shows us that people with disabilities are so much more than just their diagnoses. They are people first and foremost and by simply being more aware and choosing to use people-first language, we can all become more sensitive and respectful to individuals with disabilities and their families.
As a follow-up to his first children's book, Colin Gets a Chance, Brian A. Beale again raises up his son, Colin, as he continues his mission to promote and honor individuals with Down syndrome and other disabilities. This time, he's chosen a subject of extreme importance to individuals with disabilities and those closest to them. People-first language is a new way of thinking that leads to a new way of talking about people with disabilities. It's such an easy, yet powerful, tool we can all use to show respect for everyone with a disability, recognizing all the wonderful things they can do.
My Name is Colin…and this is who I am will get you thinking differently when referring to individuals with special needs. It provides a unique approach to parents and teachers in opening-up the lines of communication with their children regarding people-first language.
As with Colin Gets a Chance, all the illustrations in My Name is Colin…and this is who I am were done by individuals with Down syndrome, truly exemplifying what they can do if just given a chance. Every inspiring illustration is a testament to the fact that these kids are so much more alike than different. They are so much more than their disability.
EKS Challenge Bike Ride/Run
On October 23, 2010 Eunice Kennedy Shriver's legacy will be commemorated by the Eunice Kennedy Shriver Challenge: a 20-mile bike ride, 5K run, 3K walk, Youth Fun Run, and a series of Criterium Friendship Races all hosted at the Washington Monument in Washington, D.C.
In addition to friends and admirers of Mrs. Shriver, hundreds of Special Olympics athletes and Best Buddies participants are expected to take part in this recreational event that will celebrate Mrs. Shriver's love of sports and friendship. The day will conclude with an awards celebration and private luncheon at the foot of the Washington Monument.
Mrs. Shriver had one vision – to show the world that people with intellectual and developmental disabilities (IDD) could achieve and thrive in society. Her vision and legacy live on through two organizations – Special Olympics and Best Buddies. To further ensure Mrs. Shriver's legacy lives on, Special Olympics and Best Buddies are partnering in 2010 on an event in the nation's capital, the inaugural Eunice Kennedy Shriver Challenge sponsored by Audi. Through this event, the two movements will build more communities of inclusion.
To start a team for your family, friends, business, church, school, or to simply sign-up as an individual, please visit www.ekschallenge.org or contact Participant Coach Ted McCartan at:
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R-Word Exceeds Goal!
Thousands of students, athletes, friends, parents, teachers and supporters united nationwide on March 3rd to educate and encourage others to end the hateful use of the word “retard” by signing the pledge on www.r-word.org aimed at eradicating the derogatory use of the R-word.
The Spread the Word to Endthe Word™ exceeded its goal of collecting 100,000 pledges, receiving more than 20,000 pledges online throughout the day and thousands more taken by hand at events around the nation. The national awareness day included more than 500 events nationwide, with pledges coming from across the board, from governors and celebrities to parents and students. Thousands more pledges are expected throughout the month of March as the momentum continues.
Read a Letter to the Editor from Special Olympics PA President and CEO, Matthew Aaron, that was picked up by several papers across the state. Also, Governor Edward G. Rendell proclaimed March 3rd "Spread the Word to End the Word" Day. See the proclamation here .
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.
