Announcement proclaiming the 1968 games. (Source: SpecialOlympics.Org)
THE FIRST GAMES
Bravery in the Attempt
Eunice Kennedy Shriver opens with a speech at the first International Special Olympics Summer Games. (Source: SpecialOlympics.Org)
“You know, Eunice, the world will never be the same after this.” ~ Chicago Mayor Richard Daley
On July 20, 1968, the world began to change. The first Special Olympics games were held at Chicago’s Soldier Field for athletes with intellectual and physical disabilities. The 1968 games united individuals, from around the country, with disabilities to break stereotypes placed upon them by society. The Special Olympics allowed individuals to break the stigma placed on them by society, giving them the opportunity to compete as equals.
Announcement proclaiming the 1968 games. (Source: SpecialOlympics.Org)
“ The Chicago Special Olympics prove a very fundamental fact. That exceptional children - children with mental retardation - can be exceptional athletes, the fact that through sports they can realize their potential for growth.” ~ Eunice Kennedy Shriver
Series of photos from 1968 games. (Source: SpecialOlympics.Org)
A crowd of fewer than 100 people around the 85,000-seat stadium at the Chicago Solider Field stadium cheered on about 1,000 athletes from 26 states and Canada as they marched into the opening ceremonies. Athletes followed as Shriver recited the now Special Olympics athlete oath, ”Let me win. But if I cannot win, let me brave in the attempt.”
Series of photos from 1968 games. (Source: SpecialOlympics.Org)
July 20, 1968, the single most important date in Special Olympics history. What started as a single event for a thousand athletes turned into a global event with millions of athletes participating.
Eunice Kennedy Shriver left a lasting legacy impacting millions of special olympians from around the world.
Eunice Kennedy Shriver's speech at the first Special Olympics. (Source: SpecialOlympics.Org)
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