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Special Olympics

Parent Category: Things To Know

 

 

 

 

 

"Let me win, but if I cannot win, let me be brave in the attempt!"
Special Olympics Oath

 

 

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1. Special Olympics is an international organization and competition held every two years. They alternate between Summer and Winter Games.

2.  These Olympics are for people who have intellectual disabilities. There are also local, national and regional competitions in over 150 countries worldwide.

3.  In June of 1962, Eunice Kennedy Shriver started a summer camp for children and adults with intellectual disabilities at her home in Maryland to explore their capabilities in a variety of sports and physical activities.

4.  The 1st International Special Olympics Summer Games were held at Soldier Field in Chicago, Illinois, USA, on July 19 – 20, 1968. One thousand individuals with intellectual disabilities from 26 U.S. states and Canada competed in track and field and swimming.

5.  Anne McGlone Burke, a physical education teacher with the Chicago Park District, began with the idea for a one-time Olympic-style athletic competition for people with special needs. She then approached Eunice Kennedy Shriver. Both women are considered to be the founders of the Special Olympics.

6.  In December 1971, the U.S. Olympic Committee gave the Special Olympics official approval as one of only two organizations authorized to use the name “Olympics” in the United States.

7.  Athletes from 150 countries train and participate in the Special Olympics.

8.  Three million athletes participate around the world.

9.  The Special Olympics motto is "Let me win. But if I cannot win, let me be brave in the attempt."

10.  Special Olympics offers over 30 Olympic-type individual and team sports that provide meaningful training and competition opportunities for persons with intellectual disabilities.

 

 

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