#NoGoodWay Day aims to end use of ‘R-Word,’ create more inclusive environment

It’s a 10-year anniversary set to brighten communities across the country.

Monuments across Canada, including the giant Winnipeg sign at The Forks and the Esplanade Riel, will be lit up yellow this week to celebrate 10 years of the #NoGoodWay Day campaign, a nationwide effort to build a more inclusive environment for Special Olympics athletes.

“Special Olympics has given me the world,” said Camryn Grant, an athlete in Winnipeg. “It has provided me friendships and being able to play sports.”

Spearheaded by Motionball athletes, the event is an anti-bullying campaign at its heart, educating people about the importance of inclusive language aimed to end casual and negative use of the “R-Word” in everyday conversations.

“It really is hard when you see an athlete get bullied or have someone say something negative towards them,” said Grant.

She says Motionball has had a significant impact on building a supportive community for Special Olympics athletes, and the campaign has played an important role in the work across all sports.

“It makes everyone happy when they see everyone having fun,” she said. “When they don’t, it can take a negative impact on someone, and you can see athletes will shy away from sports.”

The campaign is calling on the public to take a pledge to not use the “R-word” in everyday conversation, to educate others about the link between the R-word and bullying and for people to show their support for #NoGoodWay Day.

Marina Lovell, the event director at Motionball Winnipeg, says the words we use can have a real effect on people.

“We hold a lot of power with the words that we say,” said Lovell.

“Hopefully we can use that for the good. So by changing the language, and stopping using that word, we hopefully can promote inclusivity and those living with an intellectual disability can feel more welcome.”

Since the beginning of the campaign, Motionball says tens of thousands of Canadians have pledged their commitment to use inclusive language.

“Obviously a lot of people have jumped on board and taken the pledge,” she said “We just want to get the word out; to stop using that word, and if they do hear it, to say something to someone.”

To show support for Special Olympic athletes and the #NoGoodWay campaign, you can take the pledge on the Motionball website.