Abstract: The Special Olympics not only provides athletes with special athletic abilities, but also offers more opportunities, encouragement, and dexterity to survive in society than the public school system alone. Understanding the differences and similarities between handicapped athletes and their non-disabled peers is the first step in creating a program that best meets your child's needs. There were no community programs aimed at the mentally and physically disabled, so Eunice Kennedy-Shriver created "special games" in her backyard for her handicapped child. Shriver founded the Special Olympics in 1968. Today there are more than one million special athletes competing in 140 countries. There are some problems with relying on the public school system to seek a child's full potential in special education programs. The Special Olympics, however, has found an effective method to prepare children, adolescents and adults for society through sport. The wide choice of sports, their rules and physical demands are an advantage when there is a wide range of disabilities. There is a program offered for almost everyone. The people who benefit from these games range from the athletes themselves, to referees, coaches, assistants, parents, spectators and first aid personnel on site. Ms. Kennedy-Shriver said this about special athletes: “through sports, they can realize their growth potential.” Time and again this amazing organization has demonstrated integrity, good sportsmanship, and goal-oriented programs that work! People who are involved in sports and recreational activities develop a larger group of friends, receive more social support, and are more likely to engage in conversations with or......middle of paper......creation Magazine October 1985: 58-62."Children with special needs run the program with star power." National Education Association Today Mar.2001: 30.Special Olympics, Inc. Athletes for Awareness Training Notebook. Washington DC 1994.Stanglin, Douglas., Vic Sussman. "Special smiles". US News & World Report August 14, 1995: 18.Sullivan, Kathleen A., Patricia J Lantz. "Leveling the Playing Field or Leaving the Players? Section 504, Americans with Disabilities Act, and Interscholastic Sports." The Journal of Special Education (Winter 2000): 258Vogt, Tom. "Special Olympics, the school alters relationships." Colombian [Vancouver, WA] September 29, 2000: C1.Zernike, Kate. “Regents Study Shows Benefits for Students in Special Education.” New York Times April 24, 2001: B8.Zernike, Kate. “Special education debate shifts from money to new ideas.” New York Times, May 13 2001: 27.