Special Olympics , an international organization that provides year-round sports training and athletic competition in a variety of Olympic-type sports for people with intellectual disabilities. History- Special Olympics, founded in 1968 by Eunice Kennedy Shriver, sister of former US President John F. Kennedy. The first Special Olympics games were held in Chicago, Illinois, with about 1,000 athletes from 26 states and Canada participating. Today, Special Olympics have grown into a global movement with over 6 million athletes in more than 190 countries. Mission and Goals- To provide year-round sports training and athletic competition in a variety of Olympic-type sports for people with intellectual disabilities, giving them opportunities to develop physical fitness, demonstrate courage, experience joy and participate in a sharing of gifts, skills and friendship with their families, other Special Olympics athletes and the community. The goals of Special Olympics inclu