Nationwide campaign seeks to end use of the-word

By Joann Groff

Simi Valley students have pledged to discontinue the use of a derogatory word.March 3 marked the Ventura County Special Olympics' second annual 'Spread the Word to End the Word day of awareness, a campaign to encourage everyone to stop using the word 'retard(ed).

Two Key clubs, at Royal and Simi Valley high schools, have committed to the cause and sold Tshirts and wristbands to raise money for the Special Olympics while talking to their peers about the hurtful effects of using the word.

Simi Valley High's Key Club has more than 170 members. They were out in full force last week selling End the-word gear.

The group sold out of the Tshirts and, in an effort to sell every wristband, extended its campaign throughout this week. They are also circulating a petition.

'Personally, I work with the Aktion Club as part of Kiwanis, which is made up of special education (individuals), said Joey Marquez, the group's president. 'I can't say I understand what it feels like, but I understand not liking it when people use that word.

The group joined the cause when Jan Radnoti, regional sports manager for the Special Olympics, came to visit the club.

'Ms. Radnoti told us about it and came to our school to show us a video, Joey said. 'Everyone in the club liked the cause, and we all wanted to support it.

Joey said that once the remainder of the wristbands are sold this week, SVHS Key Club will send a check of more than $700 to the Ventura County Special Olympics.

Nathan Shlather, president of Royal High School's Key Club, said its event 'went really well.

The group of about 100 members gathered 200 signatures on the petition and raised $250 selling wristbands.

'Part of our mission is serving the community, Nathan said. 'We really wanted to serve those in need. A major initiative of our club is community service. . . . It was definitely an overall success.

Proceeds from the T-shirt and bracelet sales will help send Ventura County athletes to the Special Olympics Southern California Summer Games in June.

Radnoti said she was moved by the students' commitment.

'In speaking and working with the Key Club officers, I genuinely felt their compassion in wanting to help spread the word to end the derogatory use of the R-word, Radnoti said. 'Their willingness to serve makes me very hopeful that social awareness is happening throughout the country.

'These high school students get it. They understand and embrace the importance of treating every human being with respect, knowing hurtful words spoken are as damaging to an individual as if hitting them.

Special Olympics Ventura County offers year-round sports to more than 700 children and adults with intellectual disabilities.

All Special Olympics athletes have some degree of intellectual disability and many have physical challenges, as well. For most, Special Olympics is the only outlet where both athletes and their families can interact with others who share similar life experiences.

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