Atlanta Hawks Forward Williams Calls for "Strike"

NBA vet gives "rolling" mandate to celebrity friends
By A. Scott Walton
Atlanta Hawks forward Marvin Williams has a point to make before his fifth NBA season begins.
The “R-word”, as he calls it, has no place in anyone’s vocabulary.
The sharp-shooter who starred on the North Carolina Tar Heels’ ’05 NCAA Championship team is teaming up with Special Olympics to stage a benefit bowling event that he hopes will increase awareness about the impropriety of uttering the word “retarded”.
On Thursday, September 23 (6:30-9 p.m.) at Atlantic Station’s 300 Atlanta lanes, Williams will play host to celebrity friends and guests ($40 per person) for the “Strike the R-Word” event. All participants are eligible to win prizes, and prompted to remember what they’re gathering for.
“This is part of a campaign to discourage people from using it,” said Williams, during a break between workouts to prepare for the start of training camp later this month.
“It’s offensive to people with mental disabilities and the people who care for them. And it’s offensive, obviously, to anyone who gets called that. It’s not the best choice of words. I could think of a thousand better ones.”
Supporting Special Olympics is nothing new to Williams. As part of his upbringing in suburban Seattle, he voluntarily ushered children with special needs on boat trips and assisted as an athletic trainer.

“I’m not related to anyone with a mental disability,” Williams said. “It’s just a cause I became involved with and always had fun with.”
Speaking of fun, “Strike the R-Word” attendees can compete to win a special prize for Most Gutter Balls rolled.
Williams said he might walk away with that one.
“I wish I could say I’m a good bowler, but I’m really not,” he confessed.
“Just come out dressed casually and be ready to have a great time,” he urged the public. “If nothing else, you can enjoy yourself laughing at me!”
For details about “Strike the R-Word” at 300 Atlanta (2175 Savoy Road, 30341), call 770-414-9390, ext. 117 or visit: www.specialolympicsga.org.