"Let me win, but if I cannot win, let me be brave in the attempt." This oath, spoken by Eunice Shriver at the first Special Olympics, has become something of slogan for the charity, and Shriver's words are repeated at the opening of each Special Olympics ceremony. In addition to providing opportunities for special-needs athletes, the Special Olympics has also sought to teach young people about the value of inclusion, acceptance and respect for people of all abilities.
Camp Shriver
In 1962, Eunice Kennedy Shriver, sister of President John F. Kennedy, started a day camp in her Maryland home for young people with intellectual disabilities. Her goal was to give special-needs children the opportunity to grow and learn through the same sports and physical activities enjoyed by other children. High school and college students volunteered to serve as Camp Shriver counselors, providing the young people with plenty of support and interaction.
Chicago Connection
A similar dream was shared by Chicago Park District gym teacher Anne Burke, who in 1965 helped create ground-breaking athletic programming for children with intellectual disabilities. In 1967, Burke proposed a citywide track meet for disabled participants and reached out to Shriver and the Kennedy Foundation for funding. The Foundation awarded Chicago's Park District with $25,000 to organize an event not just for Chicago children, but for athletes from across the U.S.
First Special Olympics
The first International Special Olympics, held in Chicago's Soldier Field on July 19 and 20, 1968, attracted about 1,000 athletes from 26 states and Canada, who competed in track and field and swimming. Although the first Special Olympics event received little media attention at the time, the program expanded across the U.S. February 1977 saw the inauguration of the first International Special Olympics Winter Games. In 1988, the International Olympic Committee officially recognized and endorsed the Special Olympics. International Special Olympics competitions are held every two years, alternating between Summer and Winter Games, and many local and regional competitions are held all over the world.
Special Athletics
Intensive fundraising and increased awareness about the Special Olympics have helped the program gain a global presence. The organization's mission is to provide year-round sports training for intellectually disabled children and adults, offering them opportunities for physical fitness and for participating in an athletic community. Just like at the regular Olympics, athletes in the Special Olympics compete for gold, silver and bronze medals. Sports at the Special Olympics encompass many of the same competitions as the regular Olympics, including figure skating, gymnastics, table tennis, soccer, aquatics, cycling, judo, floor hockey, equestrian events and alpine and cross-country skiing.
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