“"Let me win. But if I cannot win, let me be brave in the attempt."

Eunice Kennedy Shriver, founder of Special Olympics, recited this oath at the first Special Olympics International Summer Games, held in Chicago in 1968. In her opening ceremonies address, she emphasized that children with intellectual disabilities can be exceptional athletes.

"Through sports," she said, "they can realize their potential for growth."

At its 50th anniversary, Special Olympics brings together 4.9 million athletes in 172 countries with its mission to "provide year-round sports training and athletic competition in a variety of Olympic-type sports for children and adults with intellectual disabilities."”

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