If your child is a Special Olympian, then you’ve already experienced the thrill and excitement of cheering on your child in this supportive and inclusive environment! Our families know first-hand that there’s nothing quite like seeing your child discover new talents, the joy of sports, and the camaraderie that comes with being on a team.
Eunice Kennedy founded Special Olympics in 1968, inspired by her sister, Rosemary Kennedy, who had an intellectual disability. Shriver wanted to create a platform where individuals with intellectual disabilities could thrive and showcase their abilities. The first International Special Olympics Games were held right here in Chicago, Illinois, in July 1968. Suffice it to say that inclusive sports caught on, and today Special Olympics operates in more than 190 countries, serving over five million athletes with intellectual disabilities!
Each spring, the Chicago chapter of Special Olympics holds a Polar Plunge for many brave families to raise money by literally jumping in Lake Michigan! We strongly support the team of EileenIn, a local team of Chicagoland families led by Colleen and Scott Schaefers. Their daughter, Eileen, is the real leader of this pack. This year the Schaefer family hopes to exceed their 7 year stretch of fundraising to push past the $500,000 milestone. And we’re ready to help them do it!
We humbly ask that you consider the Special Olympics in your charitable giving with a donation. Your donation will help Special Olympics continue to include, inspire, and engage our athletes!
