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— One mom's refreshingly honest birthday party invite for her twins. Takes the cake.
theSkimm With
Victoria Arlen
In the past year, there's been lots of talk about diversity and inclusion in sports. And while much of the focus has been on race and gender identity, there's also been progress for people with disabilities. See: The Special Olympics World Games (aka "the world's largest inclusive sports event"), which starts today and includes 7,000 athletes withintellectual disabilities.
To learn more, we spoke with the Games'Champion Ambassador and ESPN SportsCenter host Victoria Arlen, who's been deeply involved in the inclusion movement, both personally and professionally. Here's what she had to say…
Q: You spent four years "locked" inside your own body, unable to move or speak. What did you learn from that experience?
When I was 11, I developed two incredibly rare neurological conditions that shut my body down. I wasn't expected to make it — let alone come out of a vegetative state and be here speaking, walking, and living the life I live today … I learned that the world is not built or designed for individuals who have mobility challenges. You have to find your voice and use it to make a difference, not only for yourself, but for others too.
Q: Has that influenced your involvement with the Special Olympics?
Absolutely. I'm determined to make sure that every athlete feels heard and seen and never on the sidelines, whether that individual has a physical or intellectual disability or anything that makes them different. I feel blessed to be able to be a part ofthe "Inclusion Revolution" ... the Special Olympics is the truest, strongest, and purest example of what sport is ... and what happens when no one's on the sideline, when everyone gets to be an athlete.
Q: Why should more people tune in to the Special Olympics?
Because the power of sport is incredible. We all want something to believe in. We all want to be inspired. We all want to feel something. And the Special Olympics gives you all of that … It's athletes who have overcome insurmountable odds, who have traveled over thousands and thousands of miles to get here … And these athletes, they're the first ones that would cheer for you. So let's cheer for them.
Psst, this interview has been edited for length and clarity.
What's Happening
🎧 In culture…
Spotify wrapped Prince Harry and Meghan Markle's podcast deal. Doja Cat's new single is catching people's attention. And Olivia Rodrigo fans won't have to be sour for much longer. Also, turns out, Elizabeth Gilbert couldn't eat, pray, love her way out of a storm of controversy, putting "The Snow Forest" on ice.
To celebrate the return of "The Bear," say 'yes, chef' to pasta salad summer. Or, if you prefer something sweet, stop shaving your eggs because frozen fruit is even grater, err, greater. Also unconventional? Drinks made with sriracha, kimchi, or salmon. Don't knock it 'til you try it.
"You Were Always Mine" by Christine Pride and Jo Piazza…34-year-old Cinnamon Haynes is finally living a quiet, settled life. After a difficult start as a Black child in the foster care system, a steady job, good relationship, and cozy house feels like more than enough. Then she meets Daisy, a 19-year old white woman who's pregnant and wants Cinnamon to raise her daughter. This high-stakes novel asks big questions about race, family, and what it means to be a "good" mother. Scoop it up.
We're just four days away from the *official* start of summer, and we're looking for the first little ways to get away. Want to kick off the good vibes just a liiiittle bit early? Try throwing a pre-solstice party to celebrate the extra sunlight.
We know you'll want to keep the celebrations going all season long, so allow us to introduce the 2023 Ford Escape SUV®. Consider the Escape your adventure accomplice, an everyday getaway, and the perfect space for…whatever you need. Solstice party venue very much included.
Skimm Picks
Here are today's recs to help you live a smarter life…
1. Our favorite athletic dresses.
We've rounded up the best styles so you'll feel cool, comfortable, and collected.
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Weekend Escape
*Slams laptop shut until Monday.* We know the feeling. And we've got some tips for escape.
Not sure where to go on your next vacay? Here's a thought: Your dream getaway could be written in the stars. That's because a growing number of people are apparently using astrology as a sign for where to head next. Not so surprising, given astrology's meteoric rise. Here's how to have your own star trek…
Pick a destination that aligns with your horoscope. If you're a Gemini, that could mean Berlin or the Florida Keys. But if you're a Scorpio, you might prefer Dublin or North Carolina's Outer Banks. And Leos should consider Guadalajara, Mexico or Las Vegas. For more signs — and more recs — click here.
Stay somewhere with stellar amenities. At Miami's Standard Spa, you can indulge in a sound shower, then have a reading of your natal chart by the hotel's resident "Good Witch." Meanwhile, The Rittenhouse in Philadelphia offers personalized massages for fire, earth, water, and air signs. And Mexico's Grand Velas Riviera Maya serves up cocktails inspired by Mayan astrological signs.
