What started with an idea to create a one-time Olympic-style athletic competition for people with special needs, has turned into an international organization inspiring and empowering people with intellectual disabilities. The idea began with Anne McGlone Burke, a Chicago Park District physical education teacher. She brought her idea to Eunice Kennedy Shriver, who was the head of the Joseph P. Kennedy Jr. Foundation, to help fund the event. Kennedy Shriver saw something incredibly amazing about Burke's idea. Their joint passion and vision became the Special Olympics and the first international Special Olympics Games were held in Chicago in 1968.
Since then, more than 2.5 million athletes, both children and adults, have taken part in sports training and competitions for the Special Olympics. Involvement in the Special Olympics has grown to more than 180 countries and has truly become a global movement. Today, there are more than 500,000 athletes in China, over 550,000 in the United States, more than 210,000 in India, over 4,400 athletes in Rwanda and 600 in Afghanistan.
The organization has impacted the lives of many children and adults who participate in the Special Olympics programs. They not only help improved physical fitness, they also promotes attitude changes and encourage enlightenment. Those involved are growing mentally, socially and spiritually. They are discovering their true potential along with a more positive self-image and greater self-confidence. They hear "their voices." The Special Olympics Oath is "Let me win. But if I cannot win, let me be brave in the attempt."
Anne McGlone Burke and Eunice Kennedy Shriver both BELIEVED they can make a difference. And as history and the achievements of their organization shows, they surely did.
Many Blessings....
Hugo and Roxanne ~ Believe Achieve
Further Reading:
BELIEVE YOU Can Make a Difference Series:
The Dedication of Teachers
The Power of the Internet
How amazing what one idea can do, when you have the passion for it. Bless these two lovely ladies for opening up a new world for these individuals.
ReplyDeleteHi Jr!!
ReplyDeleteIt truly is AMAZING!! One can never feel they are too small to make a difference. These ladies are an inspiration and have been an inspiration to many, many people.
Many Blessings....
Hugo and Roxanne
~ Believe Achieve ~
As a teen, I volunteered to help with Special Olympics. The athletes were amazing and watching them achieve their goals was so special for me. Mrs. Burke and Mrs. Shriver certainly did the world a favor. Thanks for the inspiration!
ReplyDeleteSpecial Olympic is truly the most inspirational event. The hard work that goes into the athletes.
ReplyDeleteWhen I was younger I was in Ballet class with a blind dancer. I remember how hard she and the teacher work together in order for her to perform. It was an honor for me to dance with her.
Thanks for the post.
Giovanna Garcia
Hi Angie!!
ReplyDeleteWe bet it was Inspiring!! How wonderful of you to volunteer your time. Such an Amazing gift to give.
We couldn't agree with you more...Mrs. Burke and Mrs. Shriver contributed to the beauty of our world today.
Many Blessings....
Hugo and Roxanne
~ Believe Achieve ~
Hi Giovanna!!
ReplyDeleteThank you for sharing your story about the ballet dancer. It surely would be an honor to perform with someone who BELIEVED that her impairment would not stop her from being a dancer. Truly inspirational!!
Many Blessings....
Hugo and Roxanne
~ Believe Achieve ~