History of Special Olympics...

"Let me win. But if I cannot win, let me be brave in the attempt." 

Special Olympics was organized by Eunice Kennedy Shriver in 1968.  Mrs. Shriver wanted to start a day camp for people with intellectual disabilities. The First International Special Olympics Games took place in Chicago, Illinois at Soldier Field.

The mission of Special Olympics is to provide year-round sports training and athletic competition in a variety of Olympic-type sports.  Special Olympics provides opportunities for developing physical fitness, demonstration of courage, experiencing joy, and participating in the sharing of gifts, skills, and friendship with the family, friends, and community.  The programs offers 30 Olympic-type sports which include ice skating, track and field, golf, swimming, bowling, and snow skiing.

Special Olympic athletes must be eight years old.  There is a Young Athletes program for children with intellectual disabilities ages 2 through 7.   Athletes are divided into competition divisions based on their ability, age, and sex.  By having a fair and equitable division, participants have a reasonable chance to excel.