Governor Martin O’Malley, the Maryland Department of Disabilities, the Maryland State Department of Education, and representatives from the Maryland disabilities community will hold a number of events to recognize the impact of the 2008 Maryland Fitness and Athletic Equity Act to promote the civil rights of Maryland students with disabilities and to celebrate the 18th anniversary of the signing of the Americans with Disabilities Act.

On Monday, July 21, Governor O’Malley joined students and representatives from the Maryland disability community to celebrate and recognize the importance of fitness and athletic activities for people with disabilities.

As part of the program, special guest and keynote speaker, Willie Stewart, paralympic athlete and winner of the 2007 New York City Triathlon, shared his experiences as a challenged athlete and discuss “Armed for the Challenge” an award-winning documentary about his life that will be screened as part of the event program. Mr. Stewart will be participating in the 2008 New York Triathlon one day before coming to Maryland for the event. The event also will include special displays, demonstrations and information for students with disabilities and their families.

On Saturday, July 26, Governor O’Malley will be the keynote speaker and will join Department of Disabilities Secretary Cathy Raggio to celebrate the 18th anniversary of the signing of the Americans with Disabilities Act of 1990. This landmark legislation was signed into law in 1990 and protects the civil rights of those with disabilities. In Maryland approximately 850,000 individuals or 18 percent of the total population are classified as disabled, according to the 2000 Census.