How did Special Olympics start?
History. From a backyard summer camp for people with intellectual disabilities to a global movement, Special Olympics has been changing lives and attitudes since 1968. It all began in the 1950s and early 1960s, when Eunice Kennedy Shriver saw how unjustly and unfairly people with intellectual disabilities were treated.
When did Special Olympics start?
August 2, 1968, Washington, D.C.
Special Olympics/Founded
What is the purpose of the Special Olympics?
The mission of Special Olympics is to provide year-round sports training and athletic competition in a variety of Olympic-type sports for children and adults with intellectual disabilities, giving them continuing opportunities to develop physical fitness, demonstrate courage, experience joy and participate in a sharing …
What are Special Olympics medals made of?
The medals are made of a metal alloy; silver medals are plated with nickel, and a small amount of gold is included in the plating for the gold medals.
How many events are in the Special Olympics?
The organization offers year-round training and competition in 30 Olympic-type summer and winter sports. There are more than 72 Programs in Special Olympics North America. Special Olympics North America has 544,581 athletes participating in all 30 sports offered by Special Olympics.
How has Special Olympics changed your life?
It has instilled in me a desire to improve, to listen and to learn. I’ve learned to set realistic goals for myself and I know that if I work hard and am determined enough, I will eventually succeed. Each small success builds self confidence. Yes, Special Olympics has taught me a lot, much more than I can ever repay.
What impact does the Special Olympics have?
Special Olympics is empowering athletes with intellectual disabilities to be leaders in society by providing them opportunities to learn skills that transcend the playing field. Our athletes hold jobs, go to school and are active members in their communities.
Who won Special Olympics?
Daniel Smrokowski, a Sargent Shriver International Global Messenger, interviews Kiera Byland, who won three gold medals in cycling at the 2019 Special Olympics World Games. Kiera Byland wins gold again for cycling at the 2019 World Games in Abu Dhabi, UAE.
What makes the Olympics so special?
What makes the Special Olympics special is exactly that – the athletes. People without intellectual disabilities engage with a group of the population who cannot always articulate their own needs, but that’s where the sport comes in, Dunne explains, “We’re using sports as a way to get people together.
Why is Special Olympics so important?
Special Olympics allows for us to not only teach our participants how to play a sport, but it also provides physical fitness and wellness; it inspires traits such as commitment and responsibility; and it provides social interaction for our participants.
When was Special Olympics founded?
Historic Facts Special Olympics Inc. founded by Eunice Kennedy Shriver in 1968. Special Olympics Massachusetts (SOMA) established in 1971.
Why did the Special Olympics start?
Special Olympics is an international organization created to help people with intellectual disabilities develop self-confidence, social skills and a sense of personal accomplishment. Eunice Kennedy Shriver founded Special Olympics in 1968.