Speaking to Youth: Respect Message!

*Please note: the following news story is the property of this author and can only be published with his permission.

by: Daniel S.

Daniel Smrokowski, parishioner and student at Roosevelt University, spoke in Holy Family Hall at Holy Trinity Catholic Parish before a dozen high school students on Sunday, February 28, 2010. With experience from Special Olympics, Smrokowski talked about how everyone should respect those with intellectual disabilities. Dr. P, youth minster, knowing of Smrokowski's ambassadorship with Special Olympics, asked him to bring his message to the youth ministry.

Smrokowski spoke about a national campaign called "Spread the Word to End the Word" which is backed by both Special Olympics and Best Buddies International. In this campaign, everyone is encouraged to go to http://r-word.org/ to learn how to help in eliminating use of the word "retard(ed)" in everyday speech. It is hurtful to everyone with intellectual disabilities.

Smrokowski also talked about Special Olympics. He described his experiences as an athlete on the SEASPAR Special Olympics Swim Team, as well as its Slammers high school basketball team. Smrokowski is a Global Messenger (spokesperson) for Special Olympics Illinois. Trained in March 2009 as a Global Messenger, he speaks to community groups such as the Knights of Columbus.

Smrokowski encourages everyone to listen to his Special Chronicles Podcast, available online and by free subscription at http://specialchronicles.tk/.

The February presentation to Holy Trinity youth concluded with a quote from Albert Einstein. Einstein once said, "It’s not that I’m so smart, it’s just that I stay with problems longer.” Smrokowski interprets this to mean that we all have gifts. What matters is how hard we try.