The Special Olympics Come to Sun Valley

A snowboarder cruises down the mountain at the Special Olympics in Nagano.

Photo courtesy of Special Olympics International

It all started in 1962 with a physical activity camp. Founded by Eunice Kennedy Shriver, the camp was made for individuals with intellectual disabilities to encourage physical activity and athletic development. Over the years, Camp Shriver spread to 32 different sites across the country, serving over 10,000 people. Then, six years later in 1968, the first International Special Olympics took place at Soldier Field in Chicago, Illinois. Today, more than 2.5 million people with intellectual disabilities are involved with the Special Olympics coming from over 165 countries around the world.

Intellectual disability, as defined by World Health Organization, is a condition of arrested or incomplete development of the mind, characterized by impairment of skills and overall intelligence. Intellectual disabilities can occur with or without any other physical or mental disorders. The diagnosis is made only if it is associated with a diminished ability to adapt to the daily demands of the normal social environment.

In 2009, the Special Olympics will hold its 39th year of events in the great state of Idaho. The games will be held all over the state: at the Tamarack Resort in the north, Bogus Basin in Boise and here in Sun Valley. The 300-mile statewide spread gives the Games and its’ participants more space as well as more exposure. In 2009, 3,000 athletes are expected to compete, bringing with them 10,000 coaches, volunteers and relatives. As a result, Idaho will reap huge economic benefits, perhaps as much as $50 million.

Special Olympics athletes will live in the host towns at for least one week prior to competition. This not only showcases that the state to the athletes, but also allows Idahoans to interact with individuals with intellectual disabilities. The ultimate goal is to foster athletic development in people with disabilities as well as to change negative attitudes and misperceptions people have about individuals with intellectual disabilities.

While the Games are about a year away, this February 2008, Idaho hosts the Special Olympics World Winter Games. This invitational allows the organizers to test their venues and operations. It also allows some of the participants to come to Idaho, meet the locals and become adjusted. Rather than the expected 3,000 athletes from 85 different countries for the 2009 Games, there are only 500 athletes from 10 countries attending the 2008 Invitational and there are fewer events. Sun Valley will host two events: snowboarding and snowshoeing.

To find out more or get involved visit 2009 World Games.