"You know, Eunice, the world will never be the same after this."
~Mayor Richard Daley, Chicago 1968 Special Olympics
The First Special Olympics
Eunice Kennedy Shriver ("1968 Games")
On July 20, 1968, at Soldier Field in Chicago, the First International Special Olympics Summer Games were held. Around one thousand people with disabilities from twenty-six different states and Canada participated in the first Special Olympics Summer Games (McCallum). Athletes competed in track and field, floor hockey, and swimming. This was the first time children with intellectual disabilities were on a podium and publicly rewarded for their athletic talents. This was also the first time they had their own playing field and an appreciative audience that cheered them to victory ("1968 Games").
"Retarded Kids Will Compete
In Event Here"
|
"Kennedy Foundation Backs
Athletic Event Here"
|
"70 Collegians to Guide
Retarded Kids"
|
"They passed the reviewing stand, marching proudly by the governor and mayor and the other dignitaries who have come to see them and cheer them on."
("A Dream to Grow On")
|
"In your home town there are kids like these who have probably never even run a few feet, but see what love and patient help can do."
(A Dream to Grow On")
|
"The incentive is there,
and so is the opportunity to win." ("A Dream to Grow On")
|
"It's not just luck or accident that wins
the medals today. Long hours and days of practice have built up skill and know-how." ("A Dream to Grow On")
|
"1000 Retarded Kids Compete In
Chicago Special Olympics"
|
"Special Olympics"
|
"Special Kids Give Their All;
Find Life's Not All Losing"
|