Research"I bowled my first strike during Special Olympics bowling. I made my first basket at Special Olympics basketball practice. In volleyball, I haven't hit the ball over the net yet, but I will. I run the wild hog 5k race with my Special Olympics training partner. I am a Special Olympics cheerleader and play soccer too. I am not just a teammate-I am a friend. Because of the Special Olympics I have courage! I feel joy! I am brave! And I am proud!"
~Breanna, Special Olympics Athlete with Autism
The athletes that may have shown hesitation or a lack of confidence in themselves quickly learn to embrace who they are through the positive experiences that the Special Olympics provides. By watching the intellectually disabled compete in sports it proved that they could, in fact, learn.
"Special Olympics utilizes sport to fight the stigma faced by people with ID, demonstrate their abilities, and change attitudes. attitudes can be changed through increased quality interactions that challenge prevailing stigmas. Research has shown that structured and positive interactions can lead to attitude change."
~Courtesy of Special Olympics Research Overview
Special Olympics volunteers with intellectually disabled athletes.
Courtesy of Special Olympics Volunteer Program
"Attitudes can be changed through increased quality interactions that challenge prevailing stigmas. Research has shown that structured and positive interactions can lead to attitude change."
~Courtesy of Special Olympics Research Overview
Founders of the Special Olympics were motivated by their success in the event and decided to take it a step further by going to Chicago’s city council to promote the revocation of harsh laws placed on the intellectually disabled.
"In October of 1973, aldermen Paul Wigoda and Marilou Hedland called on the city council of the city of Chicago to repeal an ordinance that they deemed 'cruel and insensitive', 'barbaric' and so discriminatory that it was 'a throw back to the dark ages.'"
~Courtesy of Disease, Maimed, Mutilated: Categorizations of Disability and an Ugly Law in the Late Nineteenth-Century Chicago
From left: Frank Pauley, VP of the Iron Workers union and early Special Children's Charities board member; Richard Kirby, founding board member, Special Children’s Charities; man in back, name unknown; Chicago Mayor Richard J. Daley; Anne Burke, co-founder,1968 Special Olympics Games; Stanley Harrison, founding board member, Special Children’s Charities; Jack McHugh, founder, Special Children’s Charities.
~Courtesy of Eunice Kennedy Shriver Organization
"79% of Unified teammates without disabilities reported increased understanding of people with intellectual disabilities."
~Courtesy of Special Olympics Research Overview
The socially enhancing activities provided by the Special Olympics have an instant impact on the intellectually disabled. The once shy, unconfident athletes quickly learn to embrace who they are through the positive social interactions they wouldn't normally receive.
"Conclusion: Based on the most conservative meaning of triangulation, more support was found linking Special Olympics to social competence than to remaining behavioral domains."
~Courtesy of Special Olympics Research Overview
Statistics showing improvments in Special Olympics Athletes.
Courtesy of Special Olympics Research Overview
Graphs showing the Publics' perceptions of those with intellectual disabilities.
Courtesy of Special Olympics Research Overview
Special Olympics athletes running track.
Courtesy of Flickr
Special Olympics athletes.
Courtesy of Antigonish Chamber of Commerce
Letter from Dot Tubridy to Eunice Kennedy Shriver.
Courtesy of Eunice Kennedy Shriver Organization
I am so proud to be one of the founders of Special Olympics European Games here -- 1985.
What a wonderful World Games took place in 2003! Any statesman or pop star would enjoy the tributes of appreciation & recognition shown to Eunice Kennedy Shriver at the opening ceremonies.
President Mandela, Arnold Schwarzenegger, Muhammad Ali, Bono, 007 Pierce Brosnan, Madonna - eat your heart out!
Eunice has inspired + encouraged people with intellectual disabilities to reach their potential and fully participate in happy family life.
Eunice, your dedication + energy has lit a torch which burns brightly and affects millions of people around the world.
Happy birthday dear friend, and Happy Olympic Anniversary.
I send you an Irish Blessing -
May the road rise up to meet you
May the wind always be at your back
Sláinte, Dot Tubridy