Special Olympcs: Literature Review

The Special Olympics is a community service organization formed to empower people with physical and mental disabilities through sport. Anne McGlone Burke, a physical education teacher in the local Chicago school district, founded the organization in Chicago in 1968. She was able to do it with the support of Eunice Kennedy Shriver, the sister of John F. Kennedy, who would provide $25,000 and gather over 1,000 athletes for the first International Special Olympics Games. Shriver made the commencement speech on Soldier Field in Chicago on July 20, 1968 saying, ”Let me win, but if I cannot win, let me be brave in the attempt.” (Market Wire, 2008)

The Special Olympics has grown to over 2.8 million athletes in over 180 countries participating in over 29,000 events (Market Wire, 2008). Even in Blacksburg, the Special Olympics has become an important organization. The Special Olympics of Virginia has a southwest district office located on 205 Church St. in downtown Blacksburg. This is the office where they plan and organize fundraisers, charity events, and most importantly sports leagues for the athletes (specialolympicsva.org, 2008). The Virginia Tech community too has become involved in one of those events. In February of 2005 the Special Olympics Virginia sponsored the Southwest Virginia Regional Basketball and Power Lifting Tournament at Cassell Coliseum, where student athletes were able to volunteer in the day’s events. Members of the men’s basketball team, the football team, and the women’s lacrosse team helped run events and led the athletes in the Special Olympics Oath. Nancy Morehouse, the Blacksburg office head, had this to say, “There were quite possibly 100 Virginia Tech varsity athletes.” The athletes of Virginia Tech really appreciated the unique opportunity to give back to the community and experience the meaning of sport that others have. Coleman Collins of the men’s basketball team had this to offer, “(The men’s basketball team) all play and get used to just playing. Everyone here doesn’t play except for the joy of coming out and doing their best. They get so excited just to get here” (Loeffler, 2008)

References:

1. Loeffler, Jen. Cassell Coliseum hosts Special Olympics. February 2005. 24 September 2008 .
2. Market Wire. "Special Olympics Celebrates 40th Year of Changing the Lives of People With Intellectual Disabilities Through the Power of Sport." Market Wire (2008).
3. Special Olympics Virginia. Special Olympics VA - Home Page. 29 September 2008 .

Here is some other information that I've written about the Special Olympics in the News: Link