On March 1st, Special Olympic Athletes and staff spent the day at the Iowa State Capitol spreading the word to end the “R” word. Spread the Word to End the Word is a national campaign to help make a stand against a word that has gained popularity in culture, but is offensive to many.

Athletes and staff met with Governor Branstad who signed the Proclamation to make March 1, 2016 Spread the Word to End the Word day in Iowa.

Athletes and staff also had the delight of meeting with Speaker Linda Upmeyer and House Majority Leader Chris Hagenow.

With the support of Special Olympics Iowa staff and athletes Charity Hodson, Global Messenger, spoke about how the “R” word has affected her life and the challenges she has had to overcome.

Pictured above is Special Olympic athlete Tyler Steinke and Speaker Upmeyer signing the pledge to end the word.

Please help Special Olympics Iowa to Spread the Word to End the Word by signing the pledge here.

Photos courtesy of Speaker Upmeyer.