Chicago’s 1968 games where athletes with disabilities proved doubters wrong on national television

The 1968 Special Olympics First Games

The first Special Olympics Games changed lives on July 20, 1968, at Soldier Field in Chicago. One thousand athletes from 26 U.S. states and Canada joined this historic event.

Kennedy Foundation and Chicago Park District worked together to create this groundbreaking competition. What started as a one-day event grew into a worldwide movement now helping millions of athletes with intellectual disabilities.

Anne Burke’s Initial Vision Became Reality

Anne McGlone Burke taught physical education for the Chicago Park District in 1967. She saw that people with intellectual disabilities had few chances to play sports and wrote a plan for a competition like the Olympics.

One charity told Burke she should feel “ashamed” for wanting to put “these kinds of kids on display.” Burke kept going and reached out to the Kennedy Foundation.

Eunice Kennedy Shriver believed in Burke’s idea and pushed her to make it national, not just for Chicago. The Kennedy Foundation gave $25,000 to make the event happen.

The Opening Ceremony Lit The Flame Of Hope

Athletes walked proudly into Soldier Field that July morning. For many, this was their first time competing in public.

A teenage runner carried the torch around the track and lit the 45-foot “John F. Kennedy Flame of Hope,” named after the president who supported research for people with disabilities.

Illinois Governor Samuel Shapiro called the athletes’ determination “an inspiration to all of us” during his welcome speech. Most of these athletes had lived hidden away at home or in special schools until this day when they could show the world their skills.

Eunice Kennedy Shriver’s Powerful Opening Address

Eunice Kennedy Shriver led the games as honorary chairman. Her sister Rosemary had an intellectual disability, so this cause meant a lot to her.

In her speech, Shriver said “exceptional children can be exceptional athletes” and deserved a chance to compete. She explained how sports could help children “realize their potential for growth” beyond what most people thought possible.

Shriver pointed out that these 1,000 athletes were just a small part of the 1.5 million children with intellectual disabilities in America who deserved the same opportunities.

Over 200 Athletic Events Showcased Abilities

The day featured more than 200 events at Soldier Field to show off different skills and talents. Track and field events included the 50-yard dash, 300-yard run, high jump, standing long jump, and softball throw.

These contests let athletes show their speed, strength, and coordination. Swimming races happened in a special pool with 25-yard and 100-yard events.

Lifeguards stood by to help when needed. Floor hockey and water polo were also part of the games, giving athletes with different skills a chance to shine.

Athletes Aged 8 to 18 Made History

Young people between 8 and 18 years old took part in these first games. They became pioneers in changing how the public saw intellectual disabilities.

Before this event, most people had never watched individuals with intellectual disabilities play organized sports. The games gave these athletes a place to compete without facing judgment.

Many participants had never joined in organized sports before. The joy on their faces showed as they crossed finish lines and celebrated what they could do.

The Organizing Committee Behind The Games

A team of experts from different fields planned the first Special Olympics to make sure it would succeed. Dr. William Freeberg from Southern Illinois University knew a lot about recreation for people with disabilities.

His knowledge helped shape how the competitions worked. Dr. Frank J. Hayden from the Kennedy Foundation had done research showing that people with intellectual disabilities got better physically and made more friends when they played sports.

Olympic champion Rafer Johnson helped set up proper standards for the competitions and made the games more official.

Spectators And Support From Chicago Officials

VIPs and news reporters watched from a special stand, helping make the games seem important to the public. Chicago Mayor Richard J. Daley came to show his support. His presence proved the city backed the event.

Even though anyone could come for free, most people watching were friends and family of the athletes.

Few people outside these circles understood what a big deal these games were. In 1968, most folks knew very little about intellectual disabilities.

Volunteers Made The Competition Possible

Hundreds of helpers worked all day to keep everything running smoothly. Their hard work turned a big idea into real success. These volunteers ran each event, from races to swimming matches.

They managed to organize over 200 competitions in just one day. Trained lifeguards watched over the swimming pool to keep everyone safe.

Their presence let athletes swim with confidence. Helpers gave extra support to athletes who needed it.

The Closing Ceremony Celebrated Achievement

As the day ended, everyone gathered for the closing ceremony to celebrate what they had done. Athletes proudly wore their new medals.

The flags came down and the torch left Soldier Field as athletes, coaches, and helpers sang “Auld Lang Syne” together. Mayor Richard J. Daley turned to Eunice Kennedy Shriver and said, “Eunice, the world will never be the same after this.”

The Olympic Oath That Started A Movement

Eunice Kennedy Shriver introduced a special promise for the athletes: “Let me win. But if I cannot win, let me be brave in the attempt.”

Herbert J. Kramer, who worked for the Kennedy Foundation, created these words. His simple oath focused on courage rather than just winning. This same promise continues at all Special Olympics events today. These words connect today’s athletes to the first ones who competed at Soldier Field in 1968.

Visiting Soldier Field, Chicago

Soldier Field is at 1410 S Museum Campus Drive in Chicago, on the shores of Lake Michigan. The stadium hosts Chicago Bears games, concerts, and other events throughout the year.

Near the stadium entrance, find the 30-foot “Eternal Flame of Hope” sculpture commemorating the first Special Olympics. The Chicago Sports Museum inside Soldier Field displays artifacts from the 1968 games.

Museum Campus surrounds Soldier Field with attractions like Field Museum, Shedd Aquarium, and Adler Planetarium. All facilities offer accessible entrances and restrooms for visitors with disabilities.

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