What is the message of Special Olympics?

Special Olympics strives to create a better world by fostering the acceptance and inclusion of all people. Through the power of sports, people with intellectual disabilities discover new strengths and abilities, skills and success. Our athletes find joy, confidence and fulfillment—on the playing field and in life.

What kind of people participate in Special Olympics?

In the Special Olympics, an athlete must be at least eight years of age and be identified by an agency or professional as having an intellectual disability to be eligible to participate. A unique system of ‘divisioning’ groups athletes together for competition based on age, gender and ability.

Who was the inspiration for the Special Olympics?

Eunice Kennedy Shriver’s Story. Eunice Kennedy Shriver, founder of Special Olympics, was a pioneer in the worldwide struggle for rights and acceptance for people with intellectual disabilities.

What are two facts about the Special Olympics?

16 Fun Facts About Special Olympics

The Special Olympics was founded by Eunice Kennedy Shriver in the late 1950s.
The first Special Olympics Summer Games were held in 1968.
The first Special Olympics Winter Games weren’t held until 1977.
Barbra Streisand performed live at the Special Olympics Gala held in 1975.

Who benefits from the Special Olympics?

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.

Is Special Olympics happening in 2021?

Special Olympics will immediately begin to explore a substitute location to host the World Winter Games in 2021. This is the first time a Special Olympics World Games will need to find a new home so close to the scheduled event.

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.

Why was Special Olympics created?

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.

What is the benefit of Special Olympic Bharat?

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 …

How has special Olympics changed your life?

How popular is the Special Olympics?

Special Olympics supports over 5 million athletes, 1 million coaches and volunteers, more than 100,000 competitions each year, and 32 Olympic-type sports through programs in more than 170 countries.