Jewell Cares: The Very Special Olympics

04 Feb Jewell Cares: The Very Special Olympics

Over the course of the next few weeks, thousands of world-class athletes, officials and fans will travel to Sochi, Russia to participate and experience in the 22nd Winter Olympics. Millions around the world will watch in excitement as their heroes take to the slopes, the rink and the courts in two of the most exciting weeks of the year.

For thousands of athletes the next few weeks are just the beginning of their excitement. Founded in 1968 at Chicago’s Soldier Field by Eunice Kennedy Shriver, the Special Olympics is the world’s largest sports organization for children and adults with disabilities. The organization provides year-round training to over 4.2 million athletes in 170 countries.

“Let me win, but if I cannot win, let me be brave in the attempt”.
– Special Olympics Motto

The 46th Annual Special Olympics will take place this June 14-21 in New Jersey. 500 athletes will compete in 14 Olympic-style sports with the support of 1,000 coaches and 8,000 volunteers. Youth and education events will also be held in conjunction with the games as young leaders rally around promoting acceptance of those with intellectual disabilities.

“The first thing is to love your sport. Never do it to please someone else. It has to be yours” said Peggy Fleming who won a gold medal in Olympic Women’s Figure Skating.  Attend a local Special Olympics event and you will see an athletic and fan passion that rivals any sporting event. You will be inspired by the coaches, the families and most of all the athletes themselves. Visit Illinois Special Olympics at www.soill.org for events near you.