Mission Statement
The mission of Special Olympics is to provide year-round sports training and athletic competition in a variety of Olympic-type sports for all children and adults with intellectual disabilities, giving them continuing opportunities to develop physical fitness, demonstrate courage, experience joy and participate in the sharing of gifts, skills and friendship with their families, other Special Olympics Athletes and their community.
History
The concept of Special Olympics began in the early 1960’s when Eunice Kennedy Shriver started a day camp for people with intellectual disabilities. From that experience it was clear that people with intellectual disabilities were far more capable in sports and physical activities than many experts believed. In 1968, Mrs. Shriver organized the First International Special Olympics Games at Solider Field in Chicago, where 1,000 athletes from the United States and Canada competed in track and field events and aquatics.
In 1968, the Special Olympics Mississippi Chapter was established. At the University of Southern Mississippi, 150 athletes participated in the First Special Olympics Mississippi Games where they competed in various track and field events.