Ryan Breslin: Passing the Torch
Ryan Breslin
Issue date: 4/1/09 Section: Forum
Most of you have no doubt either seen or heard President Obama's politically incorrect "slip" on The Tonight Show with Jay Leno that aired a few weeks ago.
For those of you who haven't, President Obama mentioned that his score of 129 in a game of bowling was "like Special Olympics or something."
He has since vehemently apologized since the slur even going so far as to personally call Tim Shriver, the chairman of Special Olympics.
This incident brought the Special Olympics to the forefront of mass media recognition overnight.
And coincidentally, I am involved in the Special Olympics event that will be held on campus this Saturday.
I have had the opportunity to aid in the planning and organizing of the event since the middle of January. It is part of a Special Olympics course offered by the business department here at the Mount. I highly recommend this course to students who want to learn more about event planning and what it entails.
The course is also important to me on a personal level as well. My 16-year-old cousin, Brian has the most severe form of autism, suffers from seizures due to the medication that he takes and cannot communicate at all.
While what President Obama said about the Special Olympics is unfortunate, I think it's essential to promote the importance of showing respect to all people regardless of physical and mental disabilities.
Too often is the word 'retarded' flung around in general conversation, and too often do the consequences of using the word go ignored.
I am so excited to be apart of this weekend's festivities, and to be in the company of so many strong individuals who have fought hard against stereotypes that insinuate they are less than human because of a disability.
If anyone would like to help out at this Saturday's event, we are still accepting volunteers! Send me an e-mail at RPBreslin @ email . msmary . edu if you're interested, and I'll send you further details regarding the event. The more, the merrier!
And Mr. President, I think you should be happy with your score. I went to Sunshine Lanes last Thursday and bowled a 53, but I'm pretty sure the $1.40 beer special is to blame.
For those of you who haven't, President Obama mentioned that his score of 129 in a game of bowling was "like Special Olympics or something."
He has since vehemently apologized since the slur even going so far as to personally call Tim Shriver, the chairman of Special Olympics.
This incident brought the Special Olympics to the forefront of mass media recognition overnight.
And coincidentally, I am involved in the Special Olympics event that will be held on campus this Saturday.
I have had the opportunity to aid in the planning and organizing of the event since the middle of January. It is part of a Special Olympics course offered by the business department here at the Mount. I highly recommend this course to students who want to learn more about event planning and what it entails.
The course is also important to me on a personal level as well. My 16-year-old cousin, Brian has the most severe form of autism, suffers from seizures due to the medication that he takes and cannot communicate at all.
While what President Obama said about the Special Olympics is unfortunate, I think it's essential to promote the importance of showing respect to all people regardless of physical and mental disabilities.
Too often is the word 'retarded' flung around in general conversation, and too often do the consequences of using the word go ignored.
I am so excited to be apart of this weekend's festivities, and to be in the company of so many strong individuals who have fought hard against stereotypes that insinuate they are less than human because of a disability.
If anyone would like to help out at this Saturday's event, we are still accepting volunteers! Send me an e-mail at RPBreslin @ email . msmary . edu if you're interested, and I'll send you further details regarding the event. The more, the merrier!
And Mr. President, I think you should be happy with your score. I went to Sunshine Lanes last Thursday and bowled a 53, but I'm pretty sure the $1.40 beer special is to blame.
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