This year, May 2010 – May 2011, marks an amazing milestone — the celebration of the 40th Anniversary of the first Special Olympics Pennsylvania event.
The movement known worldwide as Special Olympics began simply as the idea of one extraordinary woman with a vision. Eunice Kennedy Shriver believed that people with intellectual disabilities were far more capable in sports and physical activities than many experts thought. And so, the world’s largest amateur sports organization began in 1962 as a day camp in the backyard of Eunice and Sargent Shriver, with the first International Games taking place in 1968. Today, the movement thrives in more than 170 countries throughout the world.
Special Olympics Pennsylvania (SOPA) soon followed suit continuing Shriver’s legacy in May 1970 when 135 brave athletes participated in the first official Pennsylvania event – a small track and field competition at West Chester University. Currently, SOPA trains more than 20,000 athletes who compete annually in 22 Olympic-type sports at over 260 local, sectional, and state level competitions.
Throughout the 1970s, SOPA evolved under the directorial guidance of Joseph N. Lantzer; and in 1978, a significant milestone occurred with the appointment of Frank Dean as the organization’s first paid Executive Director. Additional supporters who were instrumental in SOPA’s growth include Al Senavitis, SOPA’s former Chairman of the Board; two volunteer directors, Dr. Ed Norris and Hank Goodwin from West Chester's Physical Education Department; and Loretta Claiborne, one of Pennsylvania's most acclaimed athletes.
For 40 years, SOPA has used the power of sports to transform the lives of people with intellectual disabilities and unite everyone by fostering community and building a civil society. Through what has now blossomed into 56 local programs across the state, most of which are county or city-based, SOPA provides services that not only provide physical fitness and leadership skill development, but that also help to address major challenges facing its athletes: obesity, healthcare and employment.
Obesity is more common among individuals with Intellectual Disabilities (ID) than in the general population. Likewise, far too often persons with ID go without medical treatment, not by their choice, but because there are very few physicians, dentists, optometrists/ophthalmologists, and podiatrists that are actually trained in treating this population.
In response to these health challenges, SOPA provides free athletic training and competition year-round in Olympic-type sports for persons with ID. With sports at the core, Special Olympics directly addresses the problem of obesity by promoting healthy, active lifestyles. In addition, SOPA’s Healthy Athletes® initiative, a program offering free health screenings in the form of eye, ear, dental and podiatry assessments, is provided for athletes during select statewide Games. These screenings are conducted in fun, welcoming environments, and for some athletes, are the first time they have ever seen a doctor.
Limited employment opportunities pose another challenge for individuals with ID. Although corporations are stepping up to the plate and making it a priority to provide equal employment opportunities, it is still very hard for individuals with ID to secure a job. However, according to a 1995 Yale University study, Special Olympics athletes perform better at school, at work, and at home the longer they participate in the program. Recent Special Olympics research also indicates that 52% of Special Olympics athletes in the U.S. are employed, while as few as 10% of the general ID population holds jobs. This means Special Olympics athletes are five times more likely to hold a job than their counterparts not involved in Special Olympics.
Therefore, on the eve of SOPA’s 40th Anniversary (to be celebrated from May 2010 – May 2011), it is abundantly clear that a large part of the organization’s success must be attributed to its more than 40,000 dedicated volunteers, the generosity of countless individuals, corporations and foundations in Pennsylvania, and most importantly because of the enduring spirit of our athletes, and the inspiration they bring to all of us.
Be a fan® of Special Olympics Pennsylvania and aid in the continued transformation of thousands of lives by choosing to volunteer, coach, support or compete today!
View Special Olympics Pennsylvania's 40th Anniversary Video!
In response to these health challenges, SOPA provides free athletic training and competition year-round in Olympic-type sports for persons with ID. With sports at the core, Special Olympics directly addresses the problem of obesity by promoting healthy, active lifestyles. In addition, SOPA’s Healthy Athletes® initiative, a program offering free health screenings in the form of eye, ear, dental and podiatry assessments, is provided for athletes during select statewide Games. These screenings are conducted in fun, welcoming environments, and for some athletes, are the first time they have ever seen a doctor.