As more than 1,300 young athletes get ready to compete in the Special Olympics 2011 Summer Games this weekend, here at HighGround we’re celebrating a victory on their behalf.
On April 13th, Governor Brewer signed into law HB2213. Now, the words “retarded,” “crippled,” and “retardation” will be removed from 3 sections of state statutes. We worked with Special Olympics Arizona and Rep. Cecil Ash to achieve successful passage of the bill.
A few of our lawmakers thought the measure took political correctness too far. We disagree, and think they are confusing “political correctness” with kindness. When you know better, you do better. Labels can be hurtful and limiting, so outdated words in old statutes should be removed. It’s the right thing to do.
If you go to the Summer Games this weekend at Mesa Community College, and you see the excitement and sense of accomplishment of someone finishing a race, winning a tennis match, or paddling a kayak you will also agree that the only “label” these young athletes deserve is “Champion.”