Utah First Lady Abby Cox’s Show Up initiative supports the growth of the Special Olympics Unified Sports program in Utah schools. To further this mission, Cox will host high-school-aged Special Olympics Utah athletes as part of a youth leadership program at the Utah State Capitol, teaching athletes how to use their voices for positive impact and promoting inclusion for people with intellectual disabilities.
During the visit, athletes will ask legislators to take the Pledge to Include,which is a promise to support the inclusion of people with intellectual disabilities in all aspects of our community. The Pledge to Include is also a commitment to stand up against discrimination, promote acceptance, and create opportunities for people with intellectual disabilities to participate fully in society.
The purpose of this visit is to encourage legislators to take the pledge specifically during “Spread the Word Inclusion Week,” as the athletes and peers raise awareness and advocate for change. Through their efforts, they hope to create a more inclusive and accepting community for everyone.
- The Special Olympics Unified Sports program includes students with and without intellectual disabilities on the same competitive sports teams— fostering empathy, connection and inclusion.
- “This visit by Special Olympics Utah athletes to the Utah State Capitol is an important part of Spread the Word Inclusion Week, a global campaign to promote inclusion and end discrimination against people with intellectual disabilities. By sharing their experiences and advocating for inclusion with legislators, these athletes are helping to spread the message that everyone deserves to be included and valued in our communities. We are proud to support the efforts of Special Olympics Utah and all those who are working to create a more inclusive world.” – First Lady Abby Cox
- “We are thrilled to bring our Special Olympics athletes to the Utah State Capitol as part of our youth leadership program. This visit is a powerful opportunity for our athletes to learn how to use their voices to make a positive impact and advocate for inclusion for people with intellectual disabilities. We hope experience will inspire our athletes to become leaders in their communities and continue to promote inclusion for all.” – Boston Iacobazzi, Special Olympics Utah Manager of Youth Leadership