By Paul Morello

NORMAL - Redbird fans can "Spread the Word to End the Word" while cheering on Illinois State University against Bradley Wednesday night at Redbird Arena.

A group of students and faculty from Parkside Elementary will be on the concourse behind Section C asking fans to sign a banner pledging to eliminate derogatory use of the word "retarded" from everyday speech and promote the acceptance of people with intellectual disabilities.

The group will be on the concourse starting in the second half.

The "Spread the Word" campaign is supported by Special Olympics, which will be holding the 2013 Polar Plunge next Saturday.

You can join the Radio Bloomington Polar Plunge team or donate online.

Paul Morello can be reached at paul@wjbc.com.