About Special Olympics South Dakota
Eunice Kennedy Shriver founded Special Olympics with the belief that if people with intellectual disabilities were given the same opportunities and experiences as everyone else, they would accomplish far more than everyone thought possible.
In 1968, Special Olympics South Dakota joined the movement after the excitement from Soldier Field in Chicago spread to the state. The 1st annual Special Olympics South Dakota Summer Games featured 125 athletes.
On her way to the Opening Ceremonies of the first Special Olympics World Games, Eunice Kennedy Shriver wrote the final draft to an athlete oath. In front of the many spectators and visitors, Shriver memorably opened the Games with these words:
"In ancient Rome, the gladiators went into the arena with these words on their lips: 'Let me win, but if I cannot win, let me be brave in the attempt.' Today, all of you young athletes are in the arena. Many of you will win, but even more important, I know you will be brave, and bring credit to your parents and to your country. Let us begin the Olympics. Thank you."
Our Story
Special Olympics South Dakota is made up of more than 3,000 registered athletes and Unified partners (individuals without intellectual disabilities), who train and compete year-round in 12 different Olympic-type sports.
We have approximately 50 different communities involved as local delegations that help athletes train for competitions.
Special Olympics is an unprecedented global movement that, through quality sports training and competition, improves the lives of people with intellectual disabilities and, in turn, the lives of everyone they touch.
Special Olympics South Dakota, Inc. is an independent 501(c) (3) nonprofit organization that is not part of the United Way, the federal government, or the state government. All funding comes from caring individuals, businesses, organizations, and corporations.
Our Mission
The Mission of Special Olympics South Dakota is to provide year-round sports training and athletic competition in a variety of Olympic-type sports for children (8 years and older) and adults with intellectual disabilities, giving them continuing 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.