Eunice Kennedy Shriver jotted down the Special Olympics athlete oath on the morning of July 20, 1968—just ahead of the opening of the very first Special Olympics International Games. She recited them at a brief Opening Ceremony at Chicago's Soldier Field before the start of competition. The words emphasize the importance of effort—and trying for one's personal best. Nearly 50 years later, these words resonate with Special Olympics athletes: "Let me win. But if I cannot win, let me brave in the attempt."