Happy birthday, hope

"A message of hope. A message of victory."

That's how founder Eunice Kennedy Shriver described Special Olympics. The sister of President John F. Kennedy, former penitentiary social worker and dedicated volunteer died last summer. Her most famous legacy celebrates a birthday today.

On July 19 and 20, 1968, the first Special Olympics were held. With 1,000 athletes from the U.S. and Canada and only about 100 spectators in the stands, the then-classified "mentally retarded" competitors recited their oath:

"Let me win; but if I cannot win let me be brave in the attempt."

It all began in 1962 with a simple, sports-themed day camp Mrs. Shriver created for children and adults with intellectual disabilities. Her interest stemmed from her five years as director of the JFK Foundation for the mentally retarded. Camp Shriver turned into an open competition and a very big vision by 1968. Special Olympics grew beyond her wildest dreams.

Shriver predicted the games would someday grow to a million American athletes. Today more than 3 million compete in Special Olympics in 181 countries (first expanding to Ireland in 2003). The games have grown from their original swimming and running events to many other sports, including tennis, skiing, weights, and skating. Last winter's games were held in Boise.

Special Olympics has wide and growing support. In December 1971 the U.S. Olympic Committee gave it official authorization to use the name "Olympics" in the United States. Ten years later a Kansas police chief created the Law Enforcement Torch Run - a relay to raise awareness and support now reaching $30 million in annual donations. In 1988, the International Olympic Committee gave its stamp of approval. Many other governments and organizations have programs to raise funds, support programs, and awareness for the games and people with intellectual disabilities.

"Special Olympians and their families are challenging the common wisdom that says only intellectual achievement is the measure of human life. They have proved that the common wisdom is wrong." - E.K. Shriver

Sholeh Patrick, J.D. is a columnist for the Hagadone News Network. sholehjo@hotmail.com