Special Olympics

“Let me win. But if I cannot win, let me be brave in the attempt.” The Special Olympics athlete oath.

On July 20, 1968, about 1,000 young people with intellectual disabilities from 26 U.S. states and Canada competed at Soldier Field in Chicago in the first Special Olympics International Summer Games. The event was led by Eunice Kennedy Shriver of the Joseph P. Kennedy Jr. Foundation, with Chicago organizers including Anne McGlone Burke.

At a time when people with intellectual disabilities were often hidden away, the Games showed the world what they could do. Today Special Olympics reaches more than 5 million athletes in over 170 countries, with year-round training and competition.

How to help

Volunteer at a local event, coach, become a Unified Sports partner, or donate through the official site.

Part of the Boston Made Reader’s special collection Courage, Conscience & Service. Every book and document here is free to read.