Special Olympics is an organization that prides itself on acceptance and inclusion. Respectful and inclusive language is essential to the Special Olympics movement for the dignity and humanity of people with intellectual disabilities. 

On March 1, 2017 Special Olympics Canada and provinces and territories across the country took the message of anti-bullying and asked the country to eliminate the use of the r-word (retard) and take the pledge to that there's #NOGOODWAY to use the r-word. Special Olympics Alberta will continue to support and host local events in communities to spread this powerful message. 

WHAT IS #NOGOODWAY?

The #NOGOODWAY campaign was created by motionball in 2014. This is a national anti-bullying campaign with the mission to end the casual and negative use of the R-word (retard) in everyday conversation. For over 850,000 Canadians living with an intellectual disability, the use of the R-word invokes memories of being bullied; endless days of being demeaned and countless times being told that they are outsiders not worthy of respect.

Since January 2017, the R-word has already been tweeted over 890,000 times. The #NOGOODWAY Campaign aims to bring awareness to the harmful effects of the R-word, encouraging Canadians to eliminate the word from their vocabulary. By starting the conversation it helps to promotes change with your family, friends and peers

Make a stand in your community by using #NoGoodWay, #Rword or #Respect to spread the message of inclusion and help us promote acceptance and respect and take the pledge on www.motionball.com/nogooway. 

Check out Team Canada speed skater, Evan James taking the pledge!