Special Olympics Tennessee is hosting the Unity 5K this Saturday, March 21 in Martin.
According to the Region 7 Special Olympics press release, the Unity 5K is a race designed to be an opportunity for the local community to come together and knock down barriers through an inclusive sporting event.
The unique thing about this race is its participants. Both those with disabilities and those without will participate side by side with a common goal: end the use of the R-word. The race will encourage people not to focus on what people with disabilities cannot do and allow them to see what they can do.
“Spread the Word to End the Word” is the campaign that will be promoted throughout the race and all its prior events. According to www.r-word.org, the R-word is the word “retard(ed).” The campaign asks people to pledge to stop saying the R-word as a starting point in the effort to create more acceptable attitudes and communities for all people.
By raising awareness of the hurtfulness of the R-word, “Spread the Word to End the Word” promotes the idea that language affects attitudes and attitudes affect actions.
This event, sponsored by The Sideline 24/7 and the UT Martin SHAPE Club, will raise money for the Upper West Tennessee Special Olympics. According to Area 7 Special Olympics Tennessee, on www.area7sotn.com, the funds raised will be used to provide opportunities for year-round training and competitions for Special Olympics athletes in Weakley, Lake, and Henry Counties.
Area 7 Special Olympics Tennessee’s mission is to provide year-round sports training and athletic competition in a variety of Olympic-type sports for children and adults with intellectual disabilities.
University of Tennessee at Martin student and special education major Nathan Dunnavant helped found last year’s event.
“Last year’s race was truly a humbling experience,” said Dunnavant. “Words can’t even describe how great it feels to run alongside these incredible athletes, and share with them a special moment of triumph. I made many new friends, and gained experiences with those friends and I will cherish forever.”
Those interested in participating in the Unity 5K can register at www.area7sotn.com and clicking the “Unity 5K Run” tab in the upper right corner. Runners who have not registered by Saturday should show up with plenty of time to fill out the necessary forms. There is a $15 registration fee.
The event will begin at The Sideline 24/7 in Martin. Registration will begin at 8 a.m. and the race will start at 9 a.m.
For more information, please contact Clinton Smith at (901) 230-4914 or at area7.so@gmail.com.
