5 Key Takeaways
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1
Eunice Kennedy Shriver founded the Special Olympics in 1962 to provide recreational opportunities for children excluded from traditional programs.
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2
The Special Olympic Oath, written by Shriver, emphasizes commitment, bravery, and personal growth over winning, recited during each competition's Opening Ceremonies.
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3
Dr. Paul Berman initiated optometry's involvement in the Special Olympics, leading to the establishment of the Healthy Athletes program for underserved populations.
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4
Since 1995, over 430,000 vision assessments and 260,000 prescription eyeglasses have been provided to Special Olympics athletes worldwide.
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5
The next International Special Olympics will occur in Santiago in 2027, highlighting the growth from local gatherings to global health initiatives.
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