|
|
|
|
|
ABOUT SPECIAL OLYMPICS
|
ABOUT SPECIAL OLYMPICS | OPENING EYES | INTERNATIONAL CORPORATE SPONSORS | FACTS ABOUT MENTAL RETARDATION | CONTACT US What is Special Olympics ? Special Olympics is an international Program of Year Round Sports training and athletic competition for more than one million children and adults with mental retardation (annex A). The Special Olympics Oath is .. Let me win. But if I cannot win, let me be brave in the attempt. Our Leaders Are .. Eunice Kennedy Shriver, Founder and Honorary Chairman, and Sargent Shriver, Chairman of the Board. Our Mission is .. to provide year round sports training and athletic competition in a variety of Olympic-type sports for all children and adults with mental retardation, giving them continuing opportunities to develop physical fitness, demonstrate courage, experience joy and participate in a sharing of gifts, skills and friendship with their families, other Special Olympics athletes and the community. Our Goal is .. for all persons with mental retardation to have the chance to become useful and productive citizens who are accepted and respected in their families, other Special Olympics athletes and the community. The Benefits .. participation in Special Olympics for people with mental retardation include improved physical fitness and motor skills, greater self confidence, a more positive self-image, friendships, and increased family support. Special Olympics athletes carry these benefits with them into their daily lives at home, in the classroom, on the job, and in the community. Families who participate become stronger as they learn a greater appreciation of their athletes can be. And everyone learns more about the capabilities of people with mental retardation. Special Olympics believes that competition among those of equal abilities is the best way to tests its athletes skills, measure their progress and inspire them to grow. Special Olympics believes that its program of sports training and competition helps people with mental retardation become physically fit and grow mentally, socially and spirituality. Special Olympics believes that consistent training is required to develop sports skills. The Spirit of Special Olympics skill, courage, sharing and joy transcends boundaries of geography, nationality, political philosophy, gender, age , race or religion. We Began in 1968 when Eunice Kennedy Shriver organize the First International Special Olympics Games at Soldier Filed, Chicago, Illinois, USA. The concept was born in the early a960s when Mrs. Shriver started a day camp for people with mental retardation. She saw that people with mental retardation were far more capable in sports and physical activities than many experts thought. Since 1968, millions of children and adults with mental retardation have participated in Special Olympics. SOI Games (summer games only)
|
|
