The global Special Olympics movement got its start on 20 July, 1968, when the First International Special Olympics Games were held at Soldier Field, Chicago, Illinois, USA. But the concept of Special Olympics was born much earlier, when Eunice Kennedy Shriver started a day camp for people with intellectual disabilities at her home in 1962. For more information, see the Related Link.
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Special Olympics is so important because it gives people who don't normally have the chance to play sports and do everyday activities be a part of something big. It unites people with different disabilities to let them know that they're not alone and that they can be just as good at sports and games in their own ways. I volunteered in a special Olympics club one year in highschool and I was amazed how much the kids got into the games and how competitive they were with it. I saw just how much they enjoyed having their own club to be a a part of. And everyone helping also had a great time because it made us feel good to give these kids a chance to have something for themselves when most of the time they may feel isolated or excluded in school. I always thought Special Olympics was a good thing to have but now after being a part of it myself, I know just how much it means to those kids to have a good time and play sports with their friends.