11 April 2008
Special Olympics
By Phyllis McIntosh
Phyllis McIntosh is a Maryland-based writer who frequently contributes to Department of State publications.
Throughout the world, more than 2 million children and adults with intellectual disabilities develop physical fitness and experience the thrill of athletic competition through the Special Olympics.
Founded in 1968 by Eunice Kennedy Shriver, sister of the late President John F. Kennedy, the organization was inspired by a day camp for children with intellectual disabilities that Shriver had established at her Maryland home. Over the years, Special Olympics has become a truly global movement with more than 200 programs in 150 countries. Currently, for example, there are almost 550,000 participants in the United States, 500,000 in China, 4,400 in Rwanda, and 600 in Afghanistan. As a grass-roots, nonprofit organization, Special Olympics relies on the help of 700,000 volunteers worldwide to ensure that every one of these athletes enjoys a quality experience.
At no cost, athletes age eight and over can train year-round and compete in 30 Olympic-type sports, from alpine skiing to volleyball. In the process, they condition their bodies, develop skills and friendships, and become productive and respected members of society. Through the Special Olympics Young Athletes Program, children ages two through seven build skills for future sports participation.
Thousands also participate in the Special Olympics World Summer Games and World Winter Games, each held every four years. The 2007 summer games will take place in Shanghai, China; the next winter games in 2009 in Boise, Idaho. Between World Games, athletes compete in local, state, national, and regional games. In 2006, Special Olympics is hosting regional games in Latin America, the United States, Europe, and the Middle East/North Africa and is sponsoring the First International Cricket Cup in Mumbai, India. In addition to competition, the games offer free health screenings for athletes, special forums where families can share ideas and resources, and youth summits to foster understanding between young people with and without disabilities.
