Secretary of Education Betsy DeVos has spent the last day receiving scorn for her proposed 2020 budget, which included cutting all funding from Special Olympics. DeVos appeared in front of the House Appropriations Committee on Tuesday afternoon to defend all aspects of her proposed budget, and while the entire budget was subject to critiques, the proposed Special Olympics cut was a lightning rod for criticism.
This was the case both in the House — Democratic representatives Barbara Lee (California) and Mark Pocan (Wisconsin) prodded DeVos — and on social media. Numerous individuals questioned the morality and motivations behind this move, and a pair of individuals at ESPN took some time to share their thoughts on the organization.
SportsCenter anchor Kevin Negandhi spoke about his first-hand experience with Special Olympics, which he’s experienced during his time with ESPN.
I’ve been a part of @SpecialOlympics w @espn for the last 5 years.. watching the growth, confidence and true happiness from the athletes and their families has changed my life.. The Movement touches everyone involved.. there are so many stories to share from @worldgamesAD (1)
— Kevin Negandhi (@KevinNegandhi) March 27, 2019
Negandhi went on to highlight some of the athletes he’s gotten to know through his time with Special Olympics.
Garrett Ford – 20 yr old from Ohio w autism. *Bullied as a kid, he started powerlifting at 16. *He won 4 gold medals @WorldGamesAD. *@SpecialOlympics gave him confidence and courage. Changed his life. (2) pic.twitter.com/0Om262nw1z
— Kevin Negandhi (@KevinNegandhi) March 27, 2019
Malachie Nibiyikora – 16 yrs old
*chained to a pole in a Tanzanian refugee camp for his own protection as a kid
*"brave in the attempt" with 5th and 7th participation ribbons @WorldGamesAD
*once shunned, he’s a hero where he grew up because @SpecialOlympics (3) pic.twitter.com/z1IxwW3fz3— Kevin Negandhi (@KevinNegandhi) March 27, 2019
Joseph Bradley – 19 yr old HS senior
*"Miracle son" survived near-death abuse as a two year old
*Won a gold and 2 bronze in equestrian @WorldGamesAD
*first Alabama @SpecialOlympics athlete to attend an International games in a decade
*first family trip out of the US (5) pic.twitter.com/9VKJJmMfkc— Kevin Negandhi (@KevinNegandhi) March 27, 2019
Joseph Bradley – 19 yr old HS senior
*"Miracle son" survived near-death abuse as a two year old
*Won a gold and 2 bronze in equestrian @WorldGamesAD
*first Alabama @SpecialOlympics athlete to attend an International games in a decade
*first family trip out of the US (5) pic.twitter.com/9VKJJmMfkc— Kevin Negandhi (@KevinNegandhi) March 27, 2019
He finished his thread by saying that Special Olympics are more than an annual celebration of those who participate, but rather, something that impacts lives every single day.
The power of inclusion is not just a 2-week @SpecialOlympics event.. it has a daily impact on athletes, families, friends, coaches, unified partners, volunteers.. you realize what is most important–to live life without judgement, w an open mind and heart #ChoosetoInclude (END)
— Kevin Negandhi (@KevinNegandhi) March 27, 2019
Around the Horn host Tony Reali added his thoughts, which went beyond the event itself and stressed the importance of inclusion.
The power of sports lies in the ability to instill & inspire positive change-& that’s at the core of what @SpecialOlympics does. Athletes have opportunities to discover new skills and abilities. Those discoveries lead to joy, confidence & enhancement on & off the playing field.
— Tony Reali (@TonyReali) March 27, 2019
And that in turn can lead to a more inclusive & fulfilling life. That fulfillment goes both ways; it’s that positive exchange of spirit and achievement that makes @SpecialOlympics so incredible & Unified Sports so rewarding.
— Tony Reali (@TonyReali) March 27, 2019
Don’t know about Unified Sports? https://t.co/yRt64sJ5xE
— Tony Reali (@TonyReali) March 27, 2019
I think the world would be a better place if everybody were included.
We can include everybody.
We will include everybody.
We must include everybody. @SpecialOlympics #UnifiedChampionSchools pic.twitter.com/K78jjjTgi8
— Tony Reali (@TonyReali) March 27, 2019
That’s the power of @SpecialOlympics but now let’s talk about the power of humanity. Because this is a test for all.
We all vote… everyday of our lives. We all have a budget plan… everyday of our lives.
Look inward.
We are all asked to include all people, everyday.
— Tony Reali (@TonyReali) March 27, 2019
Do we?
We are all in position to encourage other people, everyday. Do we?
Think of all the ways we do and we don’t-daily-and consider how this isn’t just about sides or plans, but it is about us. It’s ourselves we need to fight for.
Encourage. Courage. OUR.
— Tony Reali (@TonyReali) March 27, 2019
The proposal to cut funding, along with the comments by Negandhi and Reali, came less than a week after ESPN broadcast the Special Olympics World Games in Abu Dhabi.
