Being a champion of inclusion takes a lot more than just claiming to be an inclusive person. Champions of inclusion work each and every day to foster environments that support all people and work to provide opportunities to those that society might cast aside.

Representative Sean Garballey is a true champion of inclusion who has worked countless hours to ensure Special Olympics Massachusetts athletes are supported by the state. And on Wednesday, March 27^th, Special Olympics Massachusetts athletes, community members, and staff headed to the State House to thank Rep. Garballey and other State Senators and Representatives who have demonstrated ongoing support for Special Olympics.

“Special Olympics is very very important to me. I’ve been volunteering with Special Olympics for a pretty long time; and last year I was able to get money from the state budget dedicated to supporting Special Olympics across the commonwealth of Massachusetts,” explained Rep. Garballey. “I’ve asked Mary Beth McMahon, as well as her staff, to come up to the State House and knock on doors and say, ‘hi’ to State Reps and State Senators to make sure they’re educated on the incredible work Special Olympics does day in and day out to further inclusion.”

Rep. Garballey hosted Special Olympics MA athletes in his office, providing morning and mid-day meals to fuel them up before sharing their own stories to State Representatives and Senators and thanking them for year-round support. The athletes soon discovered that Rep. Garballey isn’t alone in believing in the power of inclusion.

“I think everybody should have a chance to do whatever it is they want to do as long as they are not harming someone else,” said Kathleen Toody Healy, Chief of Staff to Representative Ann-Margaret Ferrante. “It’s a good rule of thumb to be supportive of everyone in our community and in our country.”

State Senator Walter Timilty echoed these sentiments and commented on the significance and necessity of Special Olympics programming.

“Special Olympics is all about inclusivity and excellence, and inclusivity in our society,” said Sen. Timilty. “We need to strive to be more inclusive as a society and I believe Special Olympics is an engine for inclusivity all across America.”

At the conclusion of the day, Special Olympics MA athletes were invited to tour the historic Senate and House Chambers while taking in the impact the State Representatives and Senators have on propelling inclusion to reach every town, city, and neighborhood in the commonwealth of Massachusetts.

“I think it’s very important that the State Representative and Legislatures know how important Special Olympics is to thousands of individuals here in Massachusetts.” said Jim Brett, President of the New England Council, Chairman of the Governor’s Commission in Massachusetts for People with Intellectual Disabilities, and Chairman of the President’s Committee for People with Intellectual Disabilities in Washington. “You’re reminding people here that people should be looked at for their ability and not their disability; and there’s no one better to spread that message than Special Olympics Athletes.”

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