Our History
Special Olympics has been providing athletic training and sports competition for athletes with intellectual disabilities for nearly 50 years. The athletes, their families and volunteers of Area 7 have been part of the mission almost since the beginning.
The National Organization
Special Olympics was founded by Mrs. Eunice Kennedy Schriver who believed that people with intellectual disabilities deserved the same opportunities as their peers. Seeing how her sister Rosemary, who had an intellectual disability, enjoyed sports with the rest of their family, she began to host a sports camp in her backyard in 1962. In 1968, the first Special Olympics competition was held in Chicago. Since then, it has spread across the nation and the world. Today more than 2.7 million athletes from 169 countries participate in Special Olympics.
Special Olympics Takes Root in Georgia
Georgia was quick to bring Special Olympics to the South. In 1970, more than 500 athletes gathered outside of Atlanta for the first track and field event. Over the years, Special Olympics Georgia has grown to include nearly 30,000 athletes who participate in more than 25 sports.
The growth of Special Olympics allows most athletes to compete closer to home. Athletes in SOGA Area 7,* for instance, enjoy seasonal sports activities through the year. Several Area 7 agencies and athletes also participate in the listed four annual events:
- Basketball (Spring)
- Track and field (Summer)
- Bocce (Fall)
- Bowling (Winter)
Become part of the volunteer staff that keeps Special Olympics Georgia-Area 7 going. Learn more about volunteer opportunities and contact us to get started.
Email us at Volunteers to get involved with SOGA Area 7!
Let Me Win, But if I Cannot Win, Let Me Be Brave in the Attempt.
*Area 7 includes Baldwin, Bibb, Crawford, Jasper, Jones, Monroe, Putnam, Twiggs, Upson and Wilkinson Counties.