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 Special Olympics History…
The Concept of Special Olympics began in the early 1960's when Eunice
Kennedy Shriver started a day camp for people with mental retardation.
From that experience it was clear that people with mental retardation
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 Soldier Field in Chicago, where
1000 athletes from the United States and Canada competed in track &
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.
"The days of
separation and segregation are over! Special Olympians you have taught
us what truly matters is the courageous spirit, the generous heart!"
Eunice Kennedy
Shriver
Founder, Special Olympics International |
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