You Betcha: University Rivals Advocating for Inclusion in North Dakota
This past weekend, students at North Dakota State University and the University of North Dakota headed to the courts for their annual Unified Rivalry Basketball Game. During the game, the two teams battled for the championship title. Off the court, the teams advocated for respect and inclusion for individuals of all abilities.
For the past three years, the two universities have participated in the Rivalry Series. At the games, Fans in the Stands and participants had the opportunity to learn more about the Spread the Word to End the Word campaign. Students at North Dakota State University have provided an informational booth on the campaign and offer resources for individuals who have either participated in the campaign before or would like to get involved.
Hannah Pearson, a member of the college program at Special Olympics North Dakota State University, was exposed to the campaign during middle school. As a student who had been introduced to the message before, she was excited to share with other students about the impact of the campaign.
“To me, the point of the campaign is a no brainer. I hope that people not only gain more awareness, but also that more people will be willing and excited to take the pledge themselves,” Pearson said.
Even though the event was hosted at North Dakota State, students at the University of North Dakota were encouraged to visit the table to learn more about what their school would be doing on the annual day of awareness, March 7. The spirit of the sports competition prompted an environment of inclusion throughout the sports arena.
Michael Duginski, a co-President of the Special Olympics College Program at the University of North Dakota, has enjoyed his experience with the organization and the outreach of the Spread the Word to End the Word campaign.
“The R-word campaign is something that is important to me and that I hold close to my heart. Working with Special Olympics has been a life changing experience for me. The athletes we work with are no different than any of us,” Duginski said.
On March 7, the two universities will be hosting days of activation and educate students and faculty on campus about the effects of the R-word. At NDSU, the SO College Program has reserved a table in their Memorial Union. At the table, individuals will be able to learn more about the campaign and its history, take the pledge on a laptop, engage with members of the organization, and listen to testimonials from athletes. Each individual who pledges will also receive a sticker that says “I pledged.”
At the University of North Dakota, students have t he same opportunity to engage with the campaign. Members of the SO College Program will also be in their Memorial Union and have a banner and boards with information about the R-word campaign. UND is excited to host the campaign and educate students about the R-word and have it disappear from everyday vocabulary.
“To use the R-word, out of all the other words in the dictionary, is just disrespectful and offensive. You have no idea how harmful this word may be to someone. I encourage everyone to take the pledge and eliminate this harmful word from their vocabulary,” Duginski said.
If you have a story, video, photo, poem, essay, guide, dance, (or anything else) to share with the world, follow the three easy steps in this link or publish your story on Medium and email it to spalumbo@specialolympics.org. If you prefer, you could also put your story into a word document, let us know whether you would like it published under your name or anonymously, and email it to spalumbo@specialolympics.org.
Pledge your support to end the R-Word here.
