Special Sub-Topic: Special Olympics Click Here To Play: Special Olympics

Who is credited with being the official founder of Special Olympics?

Eunice Kennedy Shriver. Eunice Kennedy Shriver was the sister of John F. Kennedy. She started camps at her home that stressed physical activity for persons with intellectual disabilities. These summer camps blossomed into Special Olympics in 1968.

Where was the first Special Olympics Games officially held?

Chicago. The first games were held in Soldier Field in Chicago in 1968 for all track and field events. Athletes from the United States and Canada participated. The 4th Special Olympics were held in 1975. From there forward they have been held every 4 years.

The 1995 Special Olympics World Games were hosted by which university?

Yale. The 9th Special Olympics were held at Yale University, located in New Haven CT. The 11th games were held in 2003 in Dublin; the first time they were held outside the USA.

The first World Winter Games for Special Olympics were held in 1977. Where did the games take place?

Steamboat Springs, Colorado. This was the first World games for winter sports in Special Olympics. They are held every four years.

Special Olympics were designed for athletes that have a primary handicapping condition of __________ .

intellectual disabilities. The primary handicapping condition is intellectual disabilities. An athlete may have other handicapping conditions such as physical disabilities but intellectual disabilities must be primary.

Special Olympics is offered only in United States, Great Britain, Canada and France.

False. Special Olympics is offered in almost every nation in the world. It is a global athletic movement.

The Law Enforcement Torch Run was founded in which city?

Wichita, Kansas. The Law Enforcement Torch Run was started in Wichita in 1981. It has become the largest grass roots financial contributor. Not only do law enforcement personnel raise funds, they are committed to volunteering their time at different Special Olympics events.

Which of the following is not a Special Olympics approved sport?

Boxing. Boxing is not an approved Special Olympics sport. Sports that involve direct violent contact are not allowed. However many sports that result in contact such as team handball, basketball and flag football are approved sports.

Special Olympics is primarily run by volunteers.

true. Special Olympics is a grassroots organization that relies on the efforts of thousands of volunteers. The majority of individuals that give of their time and efforts are volunteers. This includes coaches, officials, and the myriad of volunteers that are required to put on events from the local to the international level.

What is the most important benefit Special Olympians get from their training and competition in Special Olympics?

all of these (increased athletic skills, improved social skills, health benefits). Athletes who participate in Special Olympics increase their skills levels in numerous areas. Athletes who participate in Special Olympics increase their athletic skills while expanding their social skills. Of couse through continued participation in an athletic program athletes receive many health benefits.