A Dream The SpeCIAl OlYmPiCS “Changing The World is a Contact Sport. Game On”
Where
IT all BEg W
hen people speak of the origin of Special Olympics, they look no further than the first Camp Shriver—founded by Eunice Kennedy Shriver in the early 1960s. They speak of her vision: how through sports, the lives of people with intellectual disabilities would be transformed and public perceptions would be changed forever. “Enough”. Back in 1960, a woman from Bethesda, Md. called up Eunice and told her that she was having trouble finding a summer camp for her child with intellectual disability. The child wouldn’t be accepted into a mainstream camp,and, the education system couldn’t figure out what to do with special-needs children never
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mind supply them with summer activities. Thus was born Camp Shriver, which she started at her Maryland farm, Timberlawn. Eunice asked special schools and clinics in her area to provide names of specialneeds children who might be interested. The children swam, kicked soccer balls, shot baskets and rode horses under the summer sun. As the camp continued and flourished, people from the community came out to watch, and they were followed by representatives of the parks department and public-school system. “That’s when it really began to catch on,” Eunice said.
Learning Through. Thus was born Camp Shriver, which she started at her Maryland farm, Timberlawn. Eunice asked special schools and clinics in her area to provide names of special-needs children who might be interested. The children swam, kicked soccer balls, shot baskets and rode horses under the summer sun. As the camp continued and flourished, people from the community came out to watch, and they were followed by representatives of the parks department and public-school system. “That’s when it really began to catch on,” Eunice said. Learning Through.
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The Sun Never Sets I
n January 2000 The “Campaign for Special Olympics” sets unprecedented goals to increase athlete participation by 1 million and to raise more than $120 million over a five-year period. This global campaign changes the face of the Special Olympics movement. 18-22 May 2000 Arnold Schwarzenegger joins Special Olympics athletes to light the Flame of Hope at the Great Wall of China. They launch the Special Olympics China Millennium March. China pledges to increase its number of athletes from 50,000 to 500,000 by 2005. 20-23 May 2000 the first Global Athlete Congress takes place in The Hague, Netherlands. Special Olympics athletes from every region in the world come together to discuss the future of the Special Olympics movement. Despite differences in language, culture, age and gender they hold discussions, challenge existing ideas and vote on new resolutions. In October 2001 Special Olympics develops and distributes So Get Into It kits for students with and without disabilities to schools and teachers worldwide at no cost. They teach young people about intellectual disabilities while empowering them to “be the difference.” The lessons highlight values of inclusion, acceptance and respect. 12-14 July 2001 Cape Town, Johannesburg and Sun City, South Africa host Special Olympics African Hope. Former President Nelson Mandela, Arnold Schwarzenegger and Special Olympics athletes gather to light the Flame of Hope and kick off the largest Law Enforcement Torch Run through the streets of Cape Town. The event generates awareness of the movement throughout the continent. It also launches a major push to reach 100,000 new athletes in Africa
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by 2005. 21-29 June 2003 Ireland hosts the first Special Olympics World Summer Games to be held outside the United States. 5,500 athletes participate in this landmark event. It is the world’s largest sporting event in 2003, capturing the hearts and imaginations of the Irish people. How the 2003 Special Olympics World Games Transformed Ireland. On 30 October 2004 U.S. President George W. Bush signs the “Special Olympics Sport and Empowerment Act.” This gives $15 million every year for five years to Special Olympics programs. The funding goes to initiatives that encourage greater respect and understanding for people with intellectual disabilities. This marks the first time that Special Olympics secures support through legislation. 23 December 2005 “The Ringer,” a Farrelly Brothers film starring Johnny Knoxville, opens in theaters throughout Canada and the United States. The film includes appearances from more than 150 Special Olympics athletes. Its producers work with Special Olympics to challenge destructive stereotypes and negative thinking about people with intellectual disabilities.
In 2006 the Special Olympics surpasses its goal of doubling the number of athletes who participate worldwide to 2.5 million participants. With sports at the core, the movement stands as a leader in advancing rights and opportunities and policy change for its athletes in 165 countries worldwide. 10 June 2006 U.S. President and Mrs. George W. Bush host a tribute dinner at the White House to honor Special Olympics for its unprecedented growth over the past five years. The event also celebrates the 85th birthday of founder Eunice Kennedy Shriver. On 2 October 2007 the city of Shanghai, China, hosts the 12th Special Olympics World Summer Games in 2007. The Games are broadcast internationally on a vast scale. Participation is at a record high -- bringing together more than. 7,500 athletes from 164 countries take part. These Games debut a new initiative called Young Athletes, aimed at children with intellectual disabilities ages 2 to 7. July 2008 Special Olympics celebrates its 40th anniversary as a true global movement, with nearly 3 million athletes in more than 180 countries, including Afghanistan, shown right. On February 2009 the Special Olympics World Winter Games in Boise, Idaho, USA, draws nearly 2,000 athletes from nearly 100 countries. U.S. Vice President Joe Biden visits and declares special needs advocacy “a civil rights movement.” May 2009 the U.S. National Portrait Gallery unveils a historic portrait of Eunice Kennedy Shriver. It is the first portrait the Gallery has ever commissioned of an individual who has not served as a U.S. President or First Lady.
As a founding partner and global sponsor of Special Olympics, Coca-Cola has been at the forefront of the movement to celebrate the limitless potential of individuals with intellectual disabilities and the power of sport to bring people together and, ultimately, transform lives. This longstanding partnership is grounded in the shared values of optimism, acceptance and inclusion, which Special Olympics and Coca-Cola have brought to communities across the globe over the last five decades. In 2019, our 51st year of partnership, The Coca-Cola Company leveraged the reach and relevancy of the Coca-Cola brand to activate the Special Olympics World Games in Abu Dhabi. The global and local teams helped build awareness through marketing assets; refreshed athletes and fans on site through their portfolio of beverages; and mobilized a volunteer network of passionate employees. Coca-Cola’s partnership with Special Olympics has progressed over the years, built on a foundational belief in social inclusion and acceptance. Recently, they have accelerated efforts to break down barriers in support of Special Olympics strategic goals to create employment opportunities for people with intellectual disabilities by hiring Special Olympics athletes to join their project teams leading up to and during the last several World Games.
On 11 August 2009 the founder of Special Olympics, Eunice Kennedy Shriver, dies at her family home in Massachusetts. Letters and messages celebrating her contribution to humanity pour in from world leaders and people from around the world.
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ThE EveNts
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he special Olympics offers 30-plus Olympic-style individual and team sports that provide meaningful training and competition opportunities for persons with intellectual disabilities. Some of the most popular ones are. Alpine skiing is one of the top Special Olympics sports. Basketball is one of the top sports at Special Olympics. Players take it up at all ages and at all abilities, from young players learning to handle the ball and keep it under control while dribbling to older, more experienced players who have the moves and know the strategies to play challenging ball. Bocce as a Special Olympics sport provides people with special needs the opportunity to have social contact, develop physically and to gain self-confidence
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Although Bowling does not belong to the Olympic sports, it is among the most popular sports in Special Olympics. Competitive Cheer became a Recognized Sport in March 2019 and offers competition for both Special Olympics traditional and Unified teams. Cricket is a locally popular recognized sport in Special Olympics. The first international Special Olympics cricket tournament was hosted in India in 2006. Cross Country Skiing is offered as one of 4 Special Olympics snow sports, along with Alpine Skiing, Snowboarding and Snowshoeing.
Equestrian is one of the most fascinating sports during the Special Olympics World. The balance, the stability and the right communication between the horse and the rider is key for success. Artistic gymnastics and gymnastic rhythm are popular sports at the Special Olympics. Swimming is one of the most popular sports in world. Unlike other sports, swimming is a life skill that is taught, first, to ensure safety and, secondly, for sports and competition purposes. Every athlete aims in lifting more weights than the opponent using specific moves. In Special Olympics Powerlifting is much more than deadlift, squat or bench press.
Every team of one, two or three members aims in achieving to travel with a boat through a specific area in best minimum time. The speed, the power and the intelligence are three very important assets for the success in any sport and Sailing in Special Olympics is not different. The best sailors develop the three aforementioned assets at the maximum of capabilities. Every athlete aims in passing the ball to the opponent side of the table over the net, striking it with a table tennis racquet. Table Tennis is a fast sport that requires excellent
“The Special Olympics is about love” Robin Smith Miller
coordination of hands and eyes. Special Olympics athletes share the essential elements of force and ability so that they can play table tennis. The aim in judo is for one opponent to subdue the other onto their backs by gripping the judo uniform and using throwing techniques from a standing position and pinning techniques from a ground position. Robin Smith once said “the Special Olympics is about love.”
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athletes to
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DMONTON They were together for four Edmonton Oilers seasons, and friends three more decades after, and on Wednesday Wayne Gretzky paid tribute to his late friend Joey Moss. “He brought a ray of sunshine and a lot of fond memories to all of us,” Gretzky told reporters. “Without question, he made our lives better.” Moss died on Monday after capturing the city’s heart as the locker room attendant for the Edmonton Oilers and the Edmonton Football Team. “There was nothing better
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than having a cup of coffee before practice with him,” said Gretzky. “Talking about life and his aunts and his family and his mom ... to play in the games and losing tough games and him tapping you on the shoulder telling them not to worry about it we’ll win tomorrow.” “He was a great friend.” Moss was born in Edmonton in 1963 with Down Syndrome, the 12th of 13 children to Lloyd and Sophie Moss.
He became the Oilers’ lockerroom attendant in 1984-85 when superstar Wayne Gretzky was dating his older sister, Vikki, and saw him working at a bottle depot. “I remember standing there thinking, gosh, there’s got to be something that I can do,” he said. He approached general manager and coach Glen Sather about having Moss help out with the team and Moss joined the Edmonton Football Team in 1986 and held roles with both
organizations for over 30 years. Gretzky recounted how he and Moss lived together on and off for a few years. “He was a great friend,” Gretzky said. “We spent a lot of time together. Just a wonderful young man.” Moss worked with the CFL club from the opening of training camp in June until mid-August, at which time he headed over to the Oilers locker-room for the NHL season endearing himself to Edmonton sports fans along the way.
ogether T
here likely isn’t a more recognizable or more impactful friendship on the PGA TOUR than 2018 Waste Management Phoenix Open champion Gary Woodland and his very good friend Amy Bockerstette who took the world by storm in 2019. Hear from Woodland on what he recalls from that special day at “The People’s Open” and how his relationship with Amy went from a 20-minute meet and greet to a lasting and powerful friendship. “In this game, and especially being a defending champion, you get to do a lot of cool things and meet a lot of really cool people,” said Woodland. “Every week, you’re playing pro-ams and you’re meeting special people. There’s been nobody during my time on the PGA TOUR that has more of a positive impact than Amy has.” Woodland then recounted his experience at the 16th hole with Amy. “A couple weeks before the event, I was asked if I would play a hole with Amy and I was excited to meet her and play the 16th hole and spend the day with her for that 20 minutes it takes to play the hole,” Woodland continued. “Two and a half years later I had no idea we would still be great friends today and talk regularly and stay in contact. That what has been so special about it. Her impact, her attitude her love for the game and her love for life is contagious. I know I need it in my life I think the whole world – especially the way things are going right now – needs a whole lot more Amy in it.”
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HE Rock has revealed his childhood friend with Down’s Syndrome is the reason he got into lifting weights.
Dwayne Johnson shared an amazing video with his 138million Instagram followers about his inspirational relationship with Milton McBride Rosen - who he calls The Rock’s Rock.The Fast and Furious franchise star said he was just six years old when he first met Milton, who he later ended up moving in with and sharing a bedroom. Milton had previously been taken under the wing of the guys at The Body Shoppe, a famous gym in Florida, where he trained up to eventually compete in the Special Olympics. And it was Milton’s familiarity with the gym that he passed on to his pal Johnson.But it wasn’t just the Rock who Milton helped, as the actor described Milton as a “saving grace for my dad”, the wrestler Rocky Johnson. His career in the WWE was failing and his pride stopped him from taking a different job to bring money into the household.Dwayne also says his dad was “drinking real heavy”, causing Milton to snatch the bottle away from him on one occasion and pour the booze out. Rocky says Milton acted because alcohol was “no good and he knew it was hurting me”.He added that Milton’s incredible compassion helped him ditch the drink for good and probably saved his life. The Rock says of his friend: “You get somebody who just comes around and is not judging you and looks at you and loves you and will cry with you and [says] ‘I got you’.
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How
DAvid EgaN Voive Through Sports D
avid Egan has always dreamed big. When he was a youngster, starting out as a Special Olympics swimmer, he dreamed of winning his races. As he grew, he looked to bigger goals having a job and finding ways to change attitudes toward people with intellectual disabilities. Now 38 years old, David has been living his dream—and inspiring others to live theirs. Among other things, he’s grown up to be a sought-after spokesman for people with intellectual disabilities, speaking at international conferences, testifying before the U.S. Senate, and addressing a global audience at the United Nations. For David, who has Down Syndrome, his many achievements haven’t come easily. That’s where determination comes in—to keep pushing even when things seem hard. David says he learned that as a young athlete. “Special Olympics taught me to succeed, to set a goal and do my best,” says David. “It changed my life.”
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David is also marking nearly 20 years working at the technology consulting firm Booz Allen Hamilton. He and his family say his path to success began early; in many ways, it began with sports. His mom, Kathleen, says young David worked hard to compete in local swimming events, where he was the only swimmer with disabilities. “But David was a competitor and wanted to be Number 1,” says his mom. “And that was hard in a pool of strong swimmers who broke records.” When he joined Special Olympics, Kathleen says he began to really gain confidence and build self-esteem. “He could be his best and be Number 1,” she says. “For us parents, the greatest thing was to see his joy and motivation and celebrate his successes.” Soon, Special Olympics became more than just David’s thing; the whole family got involved. While David played soccer and
basketball, his dad coached, and his little sister and brother helped on the field and chased the balls. Says Kathleen, “Those practices and games have made a long impression on all of us. Then it was not only David gaining confidence and experiencing joy, it was all of us as a family volunteering.” David’s sisters also began mentoring figure skaters with special needs; his brother coached soccer and played unified softball. Kathleen admits to being hugely proud of David (“he amazes me”) and gives Special Olympics credit for helping him reach his dreams. As for the rest of her family, she says Special Olympics “has also changed their lives for the better.” She adds, “They know now how to appreciate the little successes and give it your best: ‘Let me win and if I cannot win, let me be brave in the attempt.’ They have applied this to their lives.”
Found HIS
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OUR atHlEtS W
ith the slalom slopes having become her second home, Swedish alpine skier Aurelia Hagberg showcased not only her talents, but also a custom-made set of ski clothing at the Special Olympics Sweden Invitational Games 2020. Being determined to shine at the Invitational Games in Sweden, Hagberg had one hurdle to overcome before heading into the Alpine Skiing competition. Not a single outlet in her hometown sells ski clothing in her size, after which she decided to take matters into her own hands.
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“I asked a friend of mine to make me an outfit instead, as it was really hard to find one in the shops,” Hagberg said. “I was involved in the design and because I love the colour pink and panthers, I decided to go for something unique. “I have got butterflies in my stomach because I get to compete here. I am so happy and I really like how my uniform has turned out. Everybody has been so nice to me.”
Her unique outfit has earned Hagberg the nickname ‘Pink Panther’. Hagberg clocked a time of 1 minute, 23:48 seconds to clinch bronze in the Advanced Giant Slalom, an event that sees skiers combine the elements of speed and technique as they race down a snowy slalom course.
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hadija Zen Al Abdeen isn’t just competing at Special Olympics World Games Abu Dhabi 2019. She is breaking barriers and creating a more inclusive world for women of all abilities through sport. Khadija is the first female athlete from Mauritania to compete in table tennis and the first ever Special Olympics athlete
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e’s the 25-year-old bowling sensation from the United Arab Emirates, who has become a hometown hero during—and even before—World Games Abu Dhabi 2019. Sports photos of Saleh in action have been posted on billboards and advertisements all over the UAE and beyond, creating awareness and excitement ahead of the Games. With such a visible role, Saleh set a very visible goal: winning a goal medal in honor of Sheikh Mohamed Bin Zayed Al Nahyan, Crown Prince of Abu Dhabi and Deputy Supreme Commander of the UAE’s Armed Forces. The Crown Prince has been hugely supportive of these Games. Says Saleh, “I listened carefully to His Highness’ speech at the Opening Ceremony ... and I want to make him proud of me.”
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riton Conor Conway has lived in the United Arab Emirates (UAE) for three years and will represent his adopted home at the World Games. He has been winning the hearts of people across the UAE with his sunny personality and determined attitude after appearing in local media recently. Conor, who has Down syndrome, is among a handful of non-Emirati athletes who will compete for the UAE when he dives into the 1,500m openwater swim event. The 16-year-old attends Sheikh Zayed Private Academy for Boys in Abu Dhabi and has made many friends among the school’s mostly Emirati pupils.
from Mauritania to compete outside her home country in any Regional or World Games. “It’s time to change the old mindset and equal opportunity and recognition should be given based on talents and abilities,” Khadija exclaims. “There should be no disparity in sports nor in life women and men should be seen as, and treated as, equals, in all aspects.”
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BECoMe A Volunteer O
ur volunteers are all ages and their commitments can range from an afternoon to a lifetime. From China to the United States, Ghana to Singapore, Australia to Paraguay, Ireland to India, our volunteers are helping to bring out the champion in every Special Olympics athlete. Special Olympics would not exist today—and could not have been created—without the time, energy, commitment and enthusiasm of our volunteers. We owe so much to these millions of people who find the time to make the world a better place. If you want to be a volunteer, get in touch with the Special Olympics near you. Special Olympics is about Transforming lives, including your own. It’s about a spirit of giving and teamwork. It’s about making your community and neighborhood a more welcoming and accepting place for people of all abilities.
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It’s also about creating lifelong friendships and finding a new way of thinking about others. Our volunteers include the local coach who works with athletes many times a week. Or the people who help organize and plan our World Games every two years. Or the photographers who take the most amazing pictures of our athletes in action. All around the world, Special Olympics training, competitions and other events are happening 365 days a year. There is always something interesting to do! We have seen dramatic growth in teens and young adults volunteering with Special Olympics. These
volunte ers include student s taking part in school- based groups like Special Olympic s Unified Champion Schools and Special Olympics College. Their enthusi asm, dedicat ion and creativity are hard to beat! One of our college leaders began volunteering on a whim when she was in the second grade. She calls that “the best decision of my life.” Charles Scott of the Special Olympi cs Illinois Board of Directors has been a longtime volunteer. Over the years, he has learned that Special Olympics is
“ That’s a gratifying experience for us all”
a place that deeply appreciates its volunteers, their spirit and dedication. “You know you’re really helping people who are differently able than others,” he says. “ That’s a gratifying experience for us all.” There are hundreds of Special Olympics offices around the world, and all of them need people at various times during the year. Start the process of becoming a Special Olympics volunteer by getting in touch with the Special Olympics office nearest you.
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The Special Olympics
is a global movement of people creating a new world of inclusion and community, where every single person is accepted and welcomed, regardless of ability or disability. We are helping to make the world a better, healthier and more joyful place—one athlete, one volunteer, one family member at a time.
https://www.specialolympics.org