Special Olympics Winter Games Begin

The Winter Games of the 2009 Special Olympics began on February 7 in Idaho. The Games, which give individuals with intellectual disabilities a chance to compete, are featuring almost 3000 athletes from 100 countries. Participants will compete in seven sports, including figure skating, speed skating, floor hockey, alpine skiing, cross-country skiing, shoeshowing, and snowboarding. The Games continue until February 13.
The Special Olympics were founded in 1968 by Eunice Kennedy Shriver, who had started a summer camp for those with intellectual disabilities at her home in Maryland in 1962. The first Winter Games were held in 1977. The organization is recognized …read more