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Eunice Kennedy Shriver, the sister of John F. Kennedy and the mother of Maria Shriver, is the heart and creator behind the Special Olympics. Inspired by her sister Rosemary who had an intellectual disability, Shriver saw sports as a common ground that can unite people from all different walks. She had a vision to create a space where people with intellectual disabilities could play and compete – giving them the opportunity to highlight their talents.
The first international Special Olympics was held in July 1968 with 1,000 athletes competing in track and field and swimming. Forty-seven years later the Special Olympics has morphed into a movement that empowers and transforms lives. Learn more about this impressive nonprofit with these 10 eye-opening facts about the Special Olympics.
