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 communities.
HISTORY
The concept of Special Olympics began in the early 1960s when Eunice Kennedy Shriver started a day camp for individuals 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 Soldier Field in Chicago, where 1,000 athletes from the United States and Canada competed in track and field events and aquatics.
That same year, Eunice Kennedy Shriver visited Ellisville State School in Jones County and 150 athletes participated in track and field events at the first Special Olympics games in Mississippi, held at the University of Southern Mississippi. Special Olympics Mississippi officially incorporated and was recognized by the State of Mississippi in August 1975.
GIVE NOW AND BE A CHAMPION
Direct donations to Special Olympics Mississippi stay entirely in the state to benefit our athletes and programs!
