Federottica info ...

The following is the letter, whose sentiments are shared by Federottica, in which Special Olympics Italy President Angelo Moratti appeals to the entire civilized world to defend disabled children from the attack by a despicable virtual group appearing on the Internet. The group has now been shut down by Facebook.
Dear Editor,
Newspapers, television, radio and all other media have reported the terrible Facebook page "Down’s Syndrome children for target practice”.
We thank you for the indignation expressed in your articles and would like to ask you to help us even farther: help us to fight the despicable and senseless violence that takes us back to the time of the Spartans who "freed themselves" from those who were not "equal". It is only a different culture that can combat violence against the weak, those who make us feel stronger because they cannot defend themselves. You can influence public opinion so help us to prevent human misery. Those who do these things must feel unequal and cannot live in a modern world where disability is respected and helped. While "target practice on Facebook" was appearing, in the US Special Olympics, founded by Eunice Kennedy Shriver in the ‘60s, launched the R-Word campaign against the use of the disparaging words “Retarded” and “Mentally Retarded” (www.r-word.org) for intellectual disabilities. Use your strength to help us to help everyone, students, parents and teachers, who still have an attitude of indifference and ignorance when faced with disabilities. We will not give in to those who have yet to take a step forward.
Angelo Moratti
President
Special Olympics Italy