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Tolerance Fair puts acceptance on table
(by Sue Hoffman - March 11, 2011)
Tolerance Fair puts acceptance on table
By SUE HOFFMAN
Solon's first Tolerance Fair, a free event featuring uplifting activities for all ages, will take place from 4 to 7:30 p.m. March 13 at the Solon Community Center.
Representatives of 35 organizations, personal fitness trainers and an international speaker will join together to provide a fun evening for participants and a major step toward tolerance, according to event planners. Free refreshments will be served.
"It's going to be a great night and a great opportunity for people to learn to experience what it's like to be different," said Justin Bachman, 13, an eighth-grader at Solon Middle School. Justin and his parents, Lisa and Ron, are co-sponsoring the event, along with the City of Solon.
Justin has Tourette's syndrome, a neurological disorder that causes a person to make sounds or movements called tics. He and his parents approached Mayor Susan Drucker last fall with the idea of having the Tolerance Fair.
Mrs. Drucker said she thought it was a wonderful idea for Solon and gave her support. "The City of Solon is proud of the diversity amongst our residents," she said. "We would like the community to come together and learn the importance of understanding and embracing people who are different from us."
The highlight of the evening will be a presentation by Marc Elliot, who has Tourette's syndrome who is known internationally for his presentations titled, "What Makes You Tic?" Justin and his parents have been raising funds to bring Mr. Elliot to Northeast Ohio.
Mr. Elliot, who has been speaking to groups continually for two years, said he will bring his views on tolerance, which to him means, "Live and let live." Tolerance occurs in various levels, he said, and that's OK.
"Everyone doesn't accept everyone," he said, because "we don't accept ourselves." He said his speech will create a space for listeners "to have a dialogue within themselves" about self-acceptance. They will be "viewing bullying, diversity and inclusion from a different angle," he said.
"I want as many people to hear Marc speak as possible, because I want them to be inspired," Justin said. "Marc taught me that I was assuming people were thinking I was weird, when I really never knew what they were thinking. It was an important lesson for me."
Representatives will be on hand from organizations offering volunteer opportunities, as well as advocacy groups that provide resources for people who deal with a variety of differences. Several of the organizations will donate gift baskets to be raffled, and Mr. Elliot will sell his "Make a Difference" T-shirts to help spread his message.
Proceeds from the gift-basket raffle will be donated back to all of the participating charities, as well as a fund to help schools present tolerance programs, Mrs. Bachman said.
"We will have a number of simulations so that people can experience what it is like to be different," Mrs. Bachman said. "As an example, we will have three wheelchairs that people can take through an obstacle course to see what it is like."
Several fitness trainers led by Traci Fisher, of Total Customized Fitness in Solon, will create activities to boost a feeling of wellness and self-esteem. Stations at the fair will vary from yoga, relays, golf fitness and obstacle courses to homemade protein bars and smoothies.
"When you feel good inside, you pass it on," said Ms. Fisher, a graduate of the U.S. Military Academy at West Point.
Mrs. Bachman said the food is being provided as a result of contributions from community members and businesses, as well as Justin's fund-raising efforts.
Justin, a member of the middle school cross-country team, said he thought of the idea of the Tolerance Fair after being bullied by officials at the Spartan Invitational meet in Boardman in September. He said officials told him to "shut up" and called him names when he had some loud tics. His teammates stood up for him, and, when they couldn't sway the officials, they called in the parents.
The Ohio High School Athletic Association has since apologized for Justin's treatment and plans in-service training for track and cross-country officials to prevent a similar occurrence in the future.
"After the Boardman incident, I realized the need for people to understand the differences and challenges people face every day," Justin said.
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