July 20, 1968. Official anniversary of the first ever International Special Olympics Competition, held at Soldier Field, Chicago, IL. Special Olympics is an international year-round program of sports training and competition for individuals with intellectual disabilities. More than 3.5 million athletes in more than 170 countries train and compete in 32 Olympic-style summer and winter sports. Founded in 1968 by Eunice Kennedy Shriver, Special Olympics provides people with intellectual disabilities continuing opportunities to develop fitness, demonstrate courage and experience joy as they participate in the sharing of gifts and friendship with other athletes, their families and the community.
http://www.specialolympics.org/
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