Local officials, athletes defend Special Olympics federal funding
SALISBURY, Md. – Nearly $18 million dollars could potentially be cut from Special Olympics in the near future from the Department of Education. And the news has many officials and athletes in the area fired up, defending Special Olympics and what they do not only for kids, but those transitioning into adults as well.
Mark Wingate has participated in Special Olympics since 2003. He says it is like family to him.
“Special Olympics has grew me up to be the man I am today, to go out there and teach other people to just be happy and live their dreams.”
And even though Mark won’t be directly affected by the cuts, younger athletes just like him would be.
We’re told Eleven schools in Dorchester, Somerset, Wicomico and Worcester County would be impacted if federal funding were cut to these programs.
Even with the cuts Officials with Special Olympics Maryland say that Special Olympics won’t go away, they just worry that this will hurt momentum that has been gained through programs like Unified sports in recent years.
“That’s the risk for us, is that we lose the momentum of creating these interactive, inclusive communities of dignity and respect that are having a profoundly positive impact on the lives of all the students,” said Jim Schmutz, President and CEO of Maryland Special Olympics.
Schmutz says that we are in the early stages of this budget battle, as this funding being discussed would be for fiscal year 2020, so he says Special Olympics remains optimistic.
The Maryland Special Olympics released this statement concerning the potential funding battle:
“Special Olympics is a nonpartisan organization that strongly supports policies, legislation and practices that guarantee the rights, full participation, and integration of people with intellectual disabilities (ID). Special Olympics recognizes the progress that has been made around the country in eliminating the stigma, stereotypes, isolation, and discrimination that people with intellectual disabilities face – most importantly around access to sport, health, and education opportunities and services. We ask federal, state and local governments to join Special Olympics in remaining vigilant against any erosion of provisions that have made a substantial difference in the lives of people with ID.
“As is the case each year after the President presents his budget to Congress, we engage in opportunities, such as our annual Capitol Hill Day activities, to educate lawmakers about why grant funding for our health and education programming is critical to protecting and increasing access to these services for people with intellectual disabilities. We look forward to continuing to raise awareness among U.S. government officials about the important work that Special Olympics doing in the United States and around the world.”
Delaware Special Olympics released the following statement:
“Across Delaware, there are more than 150 schools, preschool thru high school, engaged in Special Olympics Unified Champion Schools® program. Through this education-based program, thousands of students in Delaware, both with and without disabilities, are coming together to create positive school communities through sports, youth leadership and whole school engagement.
“Here in Delaware, we receive $100,000 for our Unified Champion Schools program from the government funding that was recommended be cut. If that funding were cut, it not only effects the 158 schools currently involved in Delaware, but the thousands of others around our state and country that could have the opportunity to create school climates of acceptance, respect and inclusion for all students.”
Statement from Special Olympics, Inc.:
“Special Olympics is a nonpartisan organization that strongly supports policies, legislation and practices that guarantee the rights, full participation, and integration of people with intellectual disabilities (ID). Special Olympics recognizes the progress that has been made around the country in eliminating the stigma, stereotypes, isolation, and discrimination that people with intellectual disabilities face – most importantly around access to sport, health, and education opportunities and services. We ask federal, state and local governments to join Special Olympics in remaining vigilant against any erosion of provisions that have made a substantial difference in the lives of people with ID.
“As is the case each year after the President presents his budget to Congress, we engage in opportunities, such as our annual Capitol Hill Day activities, to educate lawmakers about why grant funding for our health and education programming is critical to protecting and increasing access to these services for people with intellectual disabilities. We look forward to continuing to raise awareness among U.S. government officials about the important work that Special Olympics doing in the United States and around the world.”
