Special Olympics Northern California Athlete Leader Martin S. created the first-ever Autism Awareness flag for the City of San Jose this month and was honored at a flag-raising celebration outside of City Hall on April 7.
“This flag is essential during Autism Awareness Month,” said Martin. “It educates the public on autism as a developmental difference impacting communication and daily routines, while encouraging support.”
Martin, a multi-sport Special Olympics NorCal athlete, is a student at San Jose State University and the founder of Spire Autism. He is passionate about advocating for people of all abilities through speaking and writing – and started the process that led to the flag raising a few years ago.
“Three years ago, I reached out to {San Jose} Mayor (Matt) Mahan to create a proclamation declaring April as Autism Month,” said Martin. “Fast forward to this year, the mayor and council member reached out to me asking to create the flag.”
The flag raising ceremony was sponsored by San Jose City Councilmember Michael Mulcahy and featured multiple speakers and notable guests. Special Olympics staff members joined other friends and family to celebrate with Martin as the flag was raised – honoring April as Autism Awareness Month and spreading Martin’s message throughout the region.
“My inspiration for the design was the theme I picked: Unity,” said Martin. “As the number of autistics rises, now more than ever, the community needs to be more unified and support as autistics. Our voices deserve to be heard and not silenced.”
About Special Olympics Northern California:
Special Olympics Northern California empowers children and adults with intellectual disabilities to participate in year-round sports training and athletic competitions in a variety of Olympic-type sports. Through the power of sport, we promote inclusion, acceptance, and the development of life skills, building stronger communities for one athlete at a time.
