Local Voices
Special Olympics Southern California Athletes, Best Buddies Participants Converge on Capitol Hill to Urge for Critical Government Support
People with intellectual and developmental disabilities (IDD) along with family members, coaches and leaders from Special Olympics and Best Buddies International are coming to the nation’s capital to fight for equality.
On Wednesday March 12, delegations from Special Olympics California and Best Buddies from more than 40 states, will participate in their annual ‘Capitol Hill Day’ to urge continued commitment to the work of the late Eunice Kennedy Shriver and to meet with America’s elected leaders to make sure that people with intellectual disabilities are top of the mind when critical decisions are made for the country. Shriver dedicated her life to providing opportunities for children and adults with IDD to become fully integrated into society. Shriver, who passed away in August 2009, founded Special Olympics in 1968 and was a longtime advocate and board member of Best Buddies, founded in 1989.
The delegation from Special Olympics Southern California will include: Allen Wales from Canoga Park, Calif.
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Throughout the day, participants will meet face-to-face with their Members of congress. Following their time with members of Congress, a special candlelight vigil will be held around the Capitol Reflecting Pool at 5:30 PM EST, as a tribute to Eunice Kennedy Shriver and poignant reminder of everyone’s ability to aid in the fight for the civil rights of everyone.
Because people with IDD continue to lack access to essential human services - ranging from employment opportunities to access to healthcare - Special Olympics and Best Buddies supporters will urge members of Congress to support critical government programs that address these needs. They will also advocate passing The Eunice Kennedy Shriver Act, which will continue a national commitment that the U.S. Congress made with passage of the 2004 Special Olympics Sport and Empowerment Act. The Eunice Kennedy Shriver Act incorporates the Best Buddies Empowerment for People with Intellectual Disabilities Act passed by the U.S. House of Representatives in April 2009. This combined legislation continues the legacy of Shriver by authorizing funds for specific programs supporting people with IDD in sports, health, education and employment program initiatives.
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Special Olympics and Best Buddies constituents will demonstrate, through their advocacy and the incredible successes and potential for future growth of people with IDD, why Congress should enact legislation to expand these highly effective programs. Special Olympics and Best Buddies provide experiences that truly transcend the playing field, transform the classroom, workplaces and communities.
About Special Olympics Southern California
Founded in 1969 by Olympic decathlon gold medalist Rafer Johnson, Special Olympics Southern California offers opportunities for individuals with intellectual disabilities to participate in year-round sports training and competition. More than 15,000 athletes and 15,000 coaches and volunteers take part in 12 Olympic-style sports. For more information, visit www.sosc.org.
About Best Buddies International
Best Buddies® is a nonprofit 501(c)(3) organization dedicated to establishing a global volunteer movement that creates opportunities for one-to-one friendships, integrated employment and leadership development for people with intellectual and developmental disabilities. Founded in 1989 by Anthony K. Shriver, Best Buddies is a vibrant organization that has grown from one original chapter to almost 1,500 middle school, high school, and college chapters worldwide. Today, Best Buddies’ seven formal programs – Colleges, High Schools, Middle Schools, Citizens, e-Buddies® , Jobs and Ambassadors – engage participants in each of the 50 states and in 50 countries, positively impacting the lives of nearly 700,000 people with and without disabilities around the world. As a result of their involvement with Best Buddies, people with intellectual and developmental disabilities secure rewarding jobs, live on their own, become inspirational leaders, and make lifelong friendships. For more information, please visit www.bestbuddies.org.
