Page 29 - 2014 BestBuddies Massachussetts Annual Report

Charles & Dan FRIENDSHIPS / JOBS / LEADERSHIP
Global Ambassadors
Charles & Carl Lewis
Best Buddies Challenge

Hearst Castle 2014

CHARLES My name is Charles Calhoun III, and I am a Best Buddies Global Ambassador.
CALHOUN
As a Best Buddies Global Ambassador, I have spoken in front of Arizona Governor Jan
Brewer and traveled around the United States to speak at various national Best Buddies
events. I am also employed with Silicon Valley Bank, and in my spare time, I love to play
the drums, write songs and hang out with my friends.

I am diagnosed with Williams syndrome, Autism, and ADHD. Growing up, I remember the hurtful names people would call me,
like “Retarded.” They would mock, tease and ridicule me. Kids and even some adults would say things, point at me, and laugh.
I would come home from school and run into my room and cry.

The R-word hurts because it is exclusive. It’s offensive. It’s derogatory.

It’s time for a change! Let’s teach our communities that even if you are not using the R-word to purposely hurt someone, you
ARE hurting someone.

This word hurts, and it goes against everything Best Buddies stands for. Not only does the word affect people with disabilities,
it also affects people without disabilities; people just like you! You’re missing out on something really special: friendship.

Please stand with me and pledge to stop using the R-word! Pledge your support to eliminate this offensive word from everyday
speech and pledge to promote the acceptance and inclusion of people with intellectual disabilities.

People with intellectual disabilities may seem different to you, but here are some things we may have in common: I love rock
music, wrestling, basketball and food. I want to do so much with my future. I would like to go to college for graphic design and
wood working.

Thank you to Best Buddies for giving me the opportunity to have real friends and people who genuinely care about me, and I
thank you all for stopping the use of this hurtful word, promoting friendships and jobs and supporting this cause!

Copy reproduced from Charles Calhoun’s speech at the Best Buddies Challenge: Hearst Castle in 2011.

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