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Camp Shriver
In 1962, Eunice Kennedy Shriver started Camp Shriver in her families backyard in Rockville, Md, in an effort to provide a safe and fun environment without the focus of what they cannot do. -
The First Special Olympic Games
The first Special Olympic Games where held in Chicago, IL with competition beginning July 20, 1968. Eunice Kennedy Shriver began the games by saying:
"Let me win,
but if I cannot win
let me be brave
in the attempt."
This is still the Special Olympic oath today. -
Special Olympics, Inc
On December 2, 1968, Sen. Edward Kennedy announces the formation of Special Olympics, Inc. Special Olympics was established as a not-for-profit organization. -
Special Olympics Wisconsin First Track Meet
Special Olympics Wisconsin held its first state track meet in West Allis, WI where 200 athletes participated. -
2nd Special Olympic Games
The 2nd Olympic Games were held on August 13, 1970. These games hosted 2,000 athletes from all 50 states, the District of Columbia, France, and Puerto Rico. -
"Olympics" approved
In December 1971, Special Olympics has been given approval from the US Olympic Committee to use the name "Olympics". -
Special Olympics - Wisconsin
Special Olympics Wisconsin was established as a not-for-profit organization -
Broadcast of Special Olympic Games
The 1975 Special Olympic Games held in Michigan at Central Michigan University had 3,200 athletes competing from 10 different countries. These games were broadcast nationwide on CBS. -
Winter Special Olympics
On February 5, 1977, Steamboat Springs, Colorado hosted the first International Special Olympics Winter Games. More than 500 athletes participated in skiing and skating events. -
Sports Illustrated and Time Cover Games
The Special Olympic games held on July 31, 1987 in South Bend, Indiana was the Seventh International Special Olympic Summer Games. These games were covered by both Sports Illustrated and Time. -
A Very Special Christmas
In October 1987, A&M Records and Bobby Shriver produce A Very Special Christmas which featured Christmas music from various artists. Proceeds from record sales benefited Special Olympic programs worldwide. -
1993 World Winter Games
On March 20, 1993, Salszburg and Schladmig, Austria hosted the fifth World Winter Games. This was the first World Winter Games held outside North America. Participating were 1,600 athletes from more than 50 counties competing in five winter sports. -
2003 Special Olympics World Summer Games
On June 21, 2003, Dublin, Ireland hosted the first Special Olympics World Summer games that were held outside the United States. Participating were 5,500 athletes from 150 countries competing in 19 sports. -
Eunice Kennedy Shriver Dies
On August 11, 2009, Eunice Kennedy Shiver passes away. -
Rosa's Law
On October 5, 2010, President Obama signed a bill that removed the term "mental retardation" and "mentally retarded" from federal health, education and labor policy. These terms have been replaced with "individual with an intellectual disability" and "intellectual disability".
