(Eunice Kennedy Shriver, Dale Brunner & Loretta Claiborne)
Special Olympics is the world’s largest sports organization for children and adults with intellectual disabilities.
Let me win, but if I cannot win let me be brave in the attempt.
The early vision of Camp Shriver in 1962 evolved into Special Olympics by 1968. In 1968 the first Special Olympic Games was held at Soldier Field in Chicago. Attended by a crowd of no more than 100 to support 1,000 Special Olympic athletes.
Forty years later, 5.7 million athletes and Unified Sports partners are involved in Special Olympics sports training and competition in 172 countries.
What started as a vision of Eunice Kennedy Shriver has forever changed the perception of people with intellectual disabilities.
In 2008 Eunice was awarded Sport’s Illustrated Sportsman of the Year Legacy Award. Her vision and legacy is also documented in the outpouring letters of admiration.
Wisconsin’s Law Enforcement Torch Run helps Special Olympics Wisconsin (SOWI) provide year-round sports training and competition in a variety of Olympic-type sports, giving these individuals continuing opportunities to develop physical fitness, demonstrate courage, and experience joy while participating in a sharing of gifts, skills and friendship with their families, other Special Olympics athletes, and the community.
Get involved as an athlete, coach or volunteer. Find the special olympics office near you and make a positive difference in your community