Special Olympics

Hello! We are Special Olympics. Our story began with a wonderful woman named Eunice Kennedy Shriver. She had a very important idea. Eunice believed that people with intellectual disabilities deserved to feel the happiness and build the friendships that come from playing sports. For a long time, many people with these disabilities were left out of games and activities. Eunice wanted to change that, and our organization works hard every day to make her dream come true. Our main purpose is to make sure everyone has a chance to play, compete, and be celebrated for their amazing abilities.

Our first big event was a huge moment for us. On July 20th, 1968, we held the very first International Special Olympics Games. This special day took place in a big stadium in Chicago, Illinois. About 1,000 athletes traveled from all over the United States and from Canada to be there. They were ready to show what they could do! The crowds cheered as the athletes ran, jumped, and swam. This event was more than just a competition; it showed the whole world that our athletes are brave, strong, talented, and full of incredible spirit.

After that first amazing event in Chicago, some people might have thought we were finished. But we are much more than just one big competition every few years. We offer sports opportunities all year long, right in your own communities. We provide training to help athletes learn new skills and get ready to compete. They can practice sports like basketball, soccer, and track and field. They can learn to swim or try other activities. The most important part is that they get to have fun and make new friends while they do it. Our local programs help athletes stay active and connected with others.

From that single event with 1,000 athletes, we have grown into a worldwide family. The idea that started with Eunice Kennedy Shriver has spread across the globe. Today, millions of athletes in countries all over the world are part of Special Olympics. We have programs on every continent, bringing people together through the power of sports. Our idea of inclusion, which means making sure everyone belongs, has helped change how people see those with intellectual disabilities. Our global family gets bigger and stronger every year.

Our work continues today, and it is more important than ever. We use sports to help build a world where every single person is included, respected, and welcomed. Our athletes show us what it means to try your best and never give up. They live by a special oath that they say before competitions. It goes like this: “Let me win. But if I cannot win, let me be brave in the attempt.” This powerful promise reminds everyone that what truly matters is having the courage to participate and the spirit to keep trying, no matter what.