The Special Olympic Movement was founded in the USA in 1968 by Eunice Kenedy Shriver the sister of President John F Kenedy.
Special Olympics Great Britain a global organisation intially known as Special Olympics UK was founded by Chris Moloney MBE in 1978, he was a teacher of swimming to children with intellectual learning disabilities.
The Mission of Special Olympics is provide year-round sports training and athletic competition in a variety of Olympic-type sports for children and adults with an intellectually disability giving them continuing opportunities to develop physical fitness, demonstrate courage, experience joy and participate in the sharing of gifts skills and friendship with their families, other Special Olympic athletes and the community.
The first competition took place in 1979 at the World games in Brockport United States. Special Olympics enables children and adults to take part in various sports and training and enter competitions all year round. Some of the sports that are available are:- Boccia, New Age Curling, Archery, Volleyball, Swimming, Bowls, Cricket, Football, Netball and Gymnastics to name a few.
Special Olympics Great Britain have an extensive network of clubs and dedicated volunteers and coaches in England Scotland and Wales. Today Special Olympics reaches over 4 million athletes in more than 170 countries worldwide.
Scarboccia is now a registered Special Olympics Club and are collaborating with Special Olympics Great Britain. Our session is on every Tuesday 4-5.30 pm at Scarborough Sports Village so why not come and join us?
