EDITORIAL: AN OPEN LETTER TO GOVERNOR SCHWARZENEGGER FROM A SPECIAL OLYMPICS ATHLETE : PLEASE DON'T TERMINATE PROGRAMS FOR DISABLED!
Editor’s note: Governor Schwarzenegger and the Legislature just slashed hundreds of millions from programs helping disabled people with medical care, finding jobs, and Special Olympics. An effort to override the Governor’s line-item vetoes is underway. Details at
http://www.sacbee.com/740/story/2054686.html. To contact your Assemblymember and State Senator before this crucial vote, visit our Sound Off section.
Dear Governor Arnold Schwarzenegger,
July 29, 2009 (San Diego)--I have been a Special Olympics' athlete for more than twenty years. Now I learned that you are cutting hundreds of millions of dollars from programs that serve disabled persons and communities. Please do not do this.
I have seen you many times at Special Olympics' events. From the things you said I thought I you understood how important our athletic program is.
I like you and I watch your movies. But I can't believe you would do this to us. My friends and I work hard at difficult jobs and some things are much harder for us to do. Playing sports is more than recreation. I have heard you many times talk about how good and beneficial programs like Special Olympic are. So why would you say that aid to persons with disabilities was ". . . on the Chopping block."
I have my own apartment now and a good job working at Miramar. Will I have to go back to a group home? Are you going to take away our team?
If you do - please do not come to our next tournament. Your invitation is terminated.
Chris DiMascio
Sports for Exceptional Athletes
San Diego
Softball, Floor Hockey, Soccer and Basketball