History of the Special Olympics

History of the Special Olympics

The history of the Special Olympics has its origins with a special and motivated individual. The Special Olympics was started in 1968 by the Eunice Kennedy Shriver through a system of camps for people with intellectual disabilities. By the time the first Special Olympic Summer Games were held in Soldier Field in Chicago on July 19th 1968 over 40 camps for the mentally impaired had been organized. It all started by an oath, “Let me win, but if I cannot win, let me be brave in the attempt”, spoken by Eunice Shriver at the opening ceremonies in Chicago. This oath is still recited today in Special Olympic ceremonies. The vision was to create a sense of pride and achievement for those with mental disabilities through competition worldwide and just like the Olympics, they compete for metals: Gold for 1st place, Silver for 2nd place and Bronze for 3rd place. This history is rich with the story of love and compassion for a people less fortunate.

Eunice Kennedy Shriver Passed away on August 11th 2009, however her legacy will live on in history as the special Olympics founder. Feb 5th in 1977 would mark the beginning of the first International Special Olympic Winter Games Hosted by the United States in Steamboat Springs, Colorado. In December of 1971 The US Olympics Committee officially authorized the use of the name “Special Olympics” however it would be 1988 before the IOC(International Olympic Committee) would officially recognize and endorse the Special Olympics as one of its own.

List of Sports played in Special Olympics:

  1. Alpine Skiing
  2. Aquatics
  3. Badminton
  4. Basketball
  5. Bocce
  6. Bowling
  7. Cricket
  8. Cross Country Skiing
  9. Cycling
  10. Equestrian
  11. Figure Skating
  12. Floor Hockey
  13. Gymnastics
  14. Golf
  15. Handball
  16. Judo
  17. Kayaking
  18. Netball
  19. Power lifting
  20. Roller Skating
  21. Sailing
  22. Snowboarding
  23. Snowshoeing
  24. Soccer
  25. Softball
  26. Speed skating
  27. Table Tennis
  28. Tennis
  29. Volleyball