"Let me win, but if I cannot win, let me be brave in the attempt."
~Special Olympics Athlete's Oath
Thesis Statement
Before the 1960's, persons with intellectual disabilities were often neglected and ignored; some were even sent away and grew up without their family. They could be forced to live in institutions and undergo medical treatments that most of the time did not work and could be very dangerous. But in the early 1960's, President Kennedy helped pass legislation that set up research into the cause of mental retardation. His sister, Eunice Kennedy Shriver, was helping throughout the process. When Shriver became the director of the Joseph P. Kennedy, Jr. Foundation, she knew that she wanted this to benefit intellectually disabled people. As a result, she helped establish the Special Olympics in 1968 for persons with intellectual disabilities. This turning point led to many people's acceptance of the intellectually disabled worldwide. People with intellectual disabilities gained confidence in themselves because of their accomplishments in Special Olympics. Today there are three million athletes in 181 countries participating in the Special Olympics year round.
Mission Statement
"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 of gifts, skills and friendship with their families, other Special Olympics athletes and the community" ("Special Olympics Mission").
"Many of you will win, but even more important, I know you will be brave
and bring credit to your parents and to your country."
~Eunice Kennedy Shriver, Opening Ceremonies of 1968 Special Olympics
and bring credit to your parents and to your country."
~Eunice Kennedy Shriver, Opening Ceremonies of 1968 Special Olympics
("1968 Games")
("Star-Spangled Banner")
"The Star-Spangled Banner" is played when the athletes are on the awards podium.
"The Star-Spangled Banner" is played when the athletes are on the awards podium.