Special Olympics’ Beginning

The concept of Special Olympics began in the early 1960s when Eunice Kennedy Shriver started

a day camp for people with intellectual disabilities. From that experience it was clear that these

individuals were far more capable in sports and physical activities than many experts believed.

In 1968, Mrs. Shriver organized the first International Special Olympics Games at Soldier Field

in Chicago, Ill. Six athletes from North Carolina competed in those Games and the Special

Olympics movement has been growing ever since!

North Carolina held its first games in 1970 in Burlington with 400 athletes competing that year.

Then in 1971, Special Olympics North Carolina, Inc. was chartered to administer the Special

Olympics movement in the state.

Can an athlete’s family get involved?

Special Olympics is unique among sports organizations because it also focuses on family

involvement. The program enables a family to share new activities and interests with their

athlete, while feeling pride in their athlete’s achievements. Family members of athletes are

encouraged to be involved with their athlete’s training to maximize these benefits and increase

the athlete’s physical activities.