The Inaugural Special Olympics- Tracing the Roots Back to the Historic 1968 Games
Where was the first Special Olympics Games held in 1968? The groundbreaking event took place in Chicago, Illinois, United States. This historic occasion marked the beginning of a global movement that aimed to provide individuals with intellectual disabilities the opportunity to participate in sports and be celebrated for their abilities, rather than their disabilities.
The Special Olympics was founded by Eunice Kennedy Shriver, who was inspired by her brother, Robert Kennedy, and his belief in the potential of people with intellectual disabilities. The first games were held on July 20-23, 1968, at Soldier Field, the home of the Chicago Bears football team. The event featured 1,000 athletes from the United States, competing in a variety of sports, including swimming, track and field, and basketball.
The success of the first Special Olympics Games laid the foundation for what would become an international organization with over 5.3 million athletes in more than 170 countries. The mission of the Special Olympics is to provide year-round training and competition in sports for children and adults with intellectual disabilities, and to transform the lives of people with intellectual disabilities through the power of sport and the joy of setting and achieving goals.
The first Special Olympics Games were a testament to the power of inclusion and the importance of recognizing the abilities of all individuals, regardless of their disabilities. Today, the Special Olympics continues to break barriers and promote acceptance, inspiring people around the world to celebrate the unique talents and achievements of individuals with intellectual disabilities.
