Sport Opportunities for All – The Special Olympics

What does every child want? The chance to kick a ball, to throw it well and to share that success with family members. What does every child with intellectual disabilities want? The exact same thing”. That’s what the team at Special Olympics, an organization for people with intellectual and/or physical disabilities, believes.

Every year, more than 100,000 competitions are held in 32 Olympic-type sports in 172 countries. About five million athletes take part in these fantastic and unique events. Out of those, approximately 1.4 million people take part in the unified sports the Special Olympics offers – joint competitions for people with and without disabilities. Every minute of this program breaks down stereotypes about people with intellectual disabilities in an enjoyable way!

The Movement started at the first “Camp Shriver,” founded by Eunice Kennedy Shriver in the early 1960s, in her own backyard. One of the most important aspects of Camp Shriver was having interaction between children with special needs and those without. The camp was an instant success and grew into the worldwide movement of the Special Olympics.

Danielle Liebl, who is diagnosed with intellectual disability, has gone through the amazing path from being a Special Olympics athlete to coach, volunteer, and now a local Board Member. “I don’t know who I would be without Special Olympics. I can do anything even if I have a disability. They taught me that if there isn’t an opportunity available – you make one.” Danielle says.

Did you know that some of our favorite celebs competed in various sport competitions? Read more about it in Celebs who Played School Sports.

This was written by TeenBuzz blogger Hanny, the most adventurous member of our TeenBuzz radio team. She loves traveling as much as she can to experience and learn about different cultures, food, scenery and most of all – the people.

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