"Much has been said and written in recent days about the treatment of Jonathan Jayne, an American Idol contestant and former Special Olympics athlete, during his appearance before judges Simon Cowell, Paula Abdul and Randy Jackson that aired last week on the Fox Network.

"While polite isnt a word one would normally associate with Cowell and company, a viewing of the episode in question shows that the judges were in fact gracious and very encouraging to Jayne during his rendition of "God Bless America." At one point, Abdul commented admiringly about Jaynes spirit and advised him to "Always believe in yourself."

"Whether on the stage of American Idol or on the field of competition for Special Olympics, people with intellectual disabilities dont want to be pitied. They want to be judged for who they are and appreciated for what they can achieve. American Idol should be commended for providing Jayne with the same opportunity to succeed as any other contestant.

"At the beginning of the audition Cowell asked Jayne if he thought he could win. "I have an amazing personality and I think I can," responded Jayne.

"Jonathan Jayne may not be going to Hollywood this round, but hes demonstrated that hes a winner by having the courage to follow his dream"on American Idol, in a Special Olympics competition or wherever he chooses to give his best."
The preceding was posted on the Special Olympics website.