"What the Special Olympics is about now, is using an event to drive the development of sports, fitness and health programs nationwide."
~Tim Shriver, CEO of Special Olympics
Turning Point
The development of the Special Olympics program in 1968 was a turning point for persons with intellectual disabilities because it changed the way people viewed and treated them. By working as volunteers and coaches, or just watching the athletes compete, people can see how much talent persons with intellectual disabilities have. They see how well the athletes participate in sports.
Participating in the Special Olympics also changes the attitudes of persons with intellectual disabilities. They develop confidence in themselves, knowing how much they accomplish through the excellence of sports. They also improve their health and mental abilities while training through the many Special Olympics programs that focus on the athletes. It was one woman, Eunice Kennedy Shriver, who helped change the way those with intellectual disabilities were treated and how the athletes viewed themselves through the power of Special Olympics.
Participating in the Special Olympics also changes the attitudes of persons with intellectual disabilities. They develop confidence in themselves, knowing how much they accomplish through the excellence of sports. They also improve their health and mental abilities while training through the many Special Olympics programs that focus on the athletes. It was one woman, Eunice Kennedy Shriver, who helped change the way those with intellectual disabilities were treated and how the athletes viewed themselves through the power of Special Olympics.
"Chicago's Special Kids
Helped by Special Olympics"
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"Special Olympics an Aid
to Undeveloped Athletes"
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"Special Olympics Helps Enrich Life
for Sara and her Friends"
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"Changing it to intellectually disabled person
from retarded person, I think that is a very wonderful way of expressing the change because it is intellectually disabled." ~Grace Amemiya, SO parent and volunteer (Amemiya)
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"Most of all I see from Mrs. Shriver that
I have rights, and we have a right to live and enjoy life to our fullest." ~Loretta Claiborne, SO athlete ("A Tribute to Eunice Kennedy Shriver")
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"People look at you, they stare, they all stare, they point at you,
they shout things, they make you feel different, it's fantastic!"
~Barry Crains, SO soccer player
they shout things, they make you feel different, it's fantastic!"
~Barry Crains, SO soccer player
("Different")