Washington, D.C.  March 1, 2010 – This Wednesday, March 3^rd thousands of Special Olympics athletes, Best Buddies participants and their supporters – many of whom are students - across the United States will participate in events to challenge and educate our society about the hurtful use of the word “retard” and encourage others to think before they speak. Students are leading events in nearly every major city designed to solicit pledges from people on www.r-word.org not to use the “R-word.”

Throughout the day, people will be asked to take the pledge online at www.r-word.org, or by signing a banner or pledge sheet at a local event. Tallies of pledges from each event will be available later in the week, as supporters strive to reach 100,000 pledges.

Media are encouraged to cover local events and are being asked to help support the movement by:

• Enter your pledge on the R-word website (www.r-word.org), ask your readers, viewers and fans to do the same, and let us know about it so we can help promote your support. 

• Have the conversation on-air and in your publications.  Use the awareness day as content for conversation.

• The following names are available for national interviews:

  ˗˗ Timothy Shriver, chairman and CEO Special Olympics

  ˗˗ Anthony Shriver, founder and chairman Best Buddies International

  ˗˗ John C. McGinley, actor and avid ‘Spread the Word’ supporter

  ˗˗ Loretta Claiborne, Special Olympics athlete and motivational speaker

  -- Soeren Palumbo, co-student founder of ‘Spread the Word’ (Notre Dame, 2011)

  -- Nancy O’Dell, TV journalist and Best Buddies International Board Member

  -- Maureen McCormick, actress and long-time Best Buddies supporter

  -- Eric Matthes, Best Buddies International Board Member and Buddy Ambassador   (self-advocate and motivational speaker)

Details on the more than 500 local events happening across the USA can be found at the campaign website www.r-word.org (specifically at http://www.r-word.org/event.php) or by contacting the above media contacts.