Special Olympics is a definitive event for people with intellectual disabilities who promote their sports abilities. This sports initiative takes place once every two years. There are several interesting fact features that can be highlighted here.
This largest sports competition for these people was held in Los Angeles from July 25 to August 2, 2015, California (the largest event in Los Angeles since the 1984 Olympics). The games were the brainchild of Eunice Kennedy Shriver, sister of former US President John F Kennedy and mother of journalist and activist Maria Shriver. Seeing the physical capabilities of her differently-abled sister Rosemary, Eunice saw sports as a common platform to bring people from all walks of life together. He had a vision to create a space where people with intellectual disabilities could participate and compete, giving them the opportunity to showcase their talents.
The first Special Olympics were held in Chicago, Illinois, in June 1968. More than 1,000 athletes participated in swimming and track and field events. Now, almost half a century later, he has literally transcended a movement that transforms and empowers lives.
Here are 10 interesting points related to this sports initiative: –
- Olympics and Special Olympics
Special Olympics is the only organization in the world that has been authorized by the International Olympic Committee (IOC) to use the word “Olympics” in its name worldwide. - The games
Athletes participating in the games compete in 32 disciplines including judo, snowboarding, soccer, cricket, and others. - Keeping them healthy and fit
Healthy Athletes is their program that offers more than 1.4 million free health checkups to athletes from 180 countries during competition. Health professionals, specially trained to monitor athletes with intellectual disabilities, conduct comprehensive examinations in multiple categories such as physical therapy, podiatry, vision, audiology, dentistry, and others. - Global reach
More than three million athletes from 180 countries participated and nearly 3.1 million athletes with disabilities from all affiliated countries participated so far. - Team spirit
Participation in a team sport has been shown to generate a sense of camaraderie among athletes. Brings team spirit among athletes as they play as a team. Encourage team spirit among participants. - Famous supporters
Over the years, a number of famous fans have endorsed and encouraged initiatives focused on people with disabilities, including swimmer Michael Phelps, multiple Olympic gold medalist, basketball sensation Damian Lillard, actor Brooklyn Decker, and others. Celebrities represent and spread the message of organizations that hold events. They help raise awareness about the needs of such mills. - Athletic prowess
The athletes participating in the games are divided according to age, gender and abilities. - Inspirational words
The oath phrase for athletes at Special Olympics is: “Let me win. But if I can’t win, let me be brave in the attempt.” - Competition time
This World Game takes place every two years. The games alternate between winter and summer. - Involved
Both the organizers and the IOC invite the general public to participate as volunteers in this great sporting event. So far more than 7,00,000 volunteers have registered.