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Special Olympics Northern California (SONC) and its Youth Activation Committee (YAC) hosted a fun-filled week of events and campaigns during Inclusive Spirit Week from March 1-5.

Inclusive Spirit Week was built around the Spread the Word >> Inclusion movement, formally Spread the Word to End the Word. It recognizes the need to build connections and ensure that everyone feels seen, heard, and valued on campus and in their communities.

Inclusive Spirit Week was driven through social media and encouraged schools, teachers, administrators and students to share and be involved. Activity appeared largely through the new @sonc_yac Instagram account. Daily events were:

Message Monday

• A challenge to learn and share a positive message in American Sign Language or another unique style of communication.

Tie-Dye Tuesday

• A call to wear the most colorful tie-day clothing and create virtual high-fives with classmates, students or peers.

Inclusion Wednesday

• The official Spread the Word >> Inclusion global day of activation. Everyone was encouraged to share a photo or video explaining what inclusion means to them; and sign the 2021 Pledge to Respect and Spread the Word.

Throwback Thursday

• A look back at before COVID-19, this was a challenge to post a favorite photo or video memory of a Special Olympics event at school.

Fan Friday

• Students and staff were encouraged to wear their favorite sports team gear. More than 700 students also took part in a live virtual workout with San Francisco 49ers PREP.

Watch a video recap of Inclusive Spirit Week

The SONC YAC was primarily responsible for the planning and execution of Inclusive Spirit Week. The YAC is comprised of students with and without disabilities who work together to learn, grow friendships, and create change. 

To round out Inclusive Spirit Week, SONC hosted an Inclusive Essay Contest for students. Check out the winning essay below from Aries, an 11th grader from Hayward High School:

Perfect Doesn’t Matter

I see, I hear, I feel & I love,

Perfect doesn’t matter.

What I see is beautiful

What I hear is musical

What I feel is serene

& I love all.

I don’t see ugly

I don’t hear bad

I don’t feel disgusted

& I love all.

In my eyes I see beauty

In my ears I hear grace

In my soul I feel love

We are all exactly the same

Because perfect doesn’t matter.

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