History-- Cherokee Strip Special Olympics

	A HISTORY OF SPECIAL OLYMPICS Special Olympics was founded by Eunice Kennedy Shriver and was created in 1968 by the Joseph P. Kennedy Jr. Foundation. The first International Special Olympics Games were organized by Eunice Kennedy Shriver and held in 1968 at Soldier Field in Chicago. There are Chapter programs in more than 50 states, plus a growing international program with 1 million+ participants in more than 150 countries. The program is operated by Special Olympics International, Inc., a non-profit corporation. Since that time, it has been guided by a volunteer Board of Directors. It is authorized and accredited by SOI for the benefit of citizens with mental retardation. Special Olympics Oklahoma generates its own funds to meet its budget through contributions from individuals, businesses and civic organizations and foundations. *Special Olympics is not a member of the United Way.