1,000 athletes from the United States, Canada and France competed. Illinois Special Olympics participated in those first games, and today serves more than 17,500 athletes and offers training and competition in 19 sports. Mrs. Eunice Kennedy Shriver is the Founder and Chairman of Special Olympics International. The Illinois Special Olympics staff is responsible for program planning, implementation and evaluation as well as public education, fundraising, organizational development, and technical support. Each area is administered by an Area Director and an area management team which consists of at least eight committee chairs.
Athletes develop fitness, skills and learn rules and strategies from their coaches.
Special Olympics also trains and certifies coaches, officials and games management team embers to ensure that all athletes receive the highest quality Olympic type training and competition. No athlete is ever charged by ISO to participate in sanctioned competitions or events. Every athlete is recognized for their dedication and accomplishments, receiving a medal or ribbon for their order of finish. Local competitions are offered in communities all around the world and are generally smaller events at a school or recreation center, which prepare athletes for Area competition. Area competitions are held annually in each of the 17 areas to qualify athletes to advance to higher level competition at the Chapter Games.