
50 inspiring photos from the Special Olympics
In 1968, President John F. Kennedy’s sister Eunice Kennedy Shriver’s campaigns to destigmatize mental illness and push for disability rights ultimately culminated in the world’s first International Special Olympics Games, which were played out at Chicago’s Soldier Field. Exactly half a century later, the Special Olympics still celebrates the athletic prowess and the innate human beauty of people with disabilities from all over the world, all the while seeking to inspire young people in the hopes of fostering a more informed, inclusive next generation.
In honor of Seattle’s upcoming 2018 Special Olympics USA Games, Stacker put together a collection of 50 inspiring photos from the official Special Olympics press room capturing some of the most amazing live action moments the games have to offer. Seeing some of these remarkable athletes doing their thing not only serves to shift perspectives about the capabilities of those with disabilities, but can also inspire all people to go out and conquer their own obstacles. Read on to have your heart warmed by some of the most remarkable athletes in the world living out their dreams on the biggest stage possible.

Snowshoeing
Snowshoeing

Floor Hockey
Floor Hockey

Stick Shooting
Stick Shooting

Alpine Skiing
Alpine Skiing

Short Track Speed Skating
Short Track Speed Skating

Snowboarding
Snowboarding

Figure Skating
Figure Skating

Cross Country Skiing
Cross Country Skiing

Snowshoeing
Snowshoeing

Figure Skating
Figure Skating

Basketball
Basketball

Swimming
Swimming

Artistic Gymnastics
Artistic Gymnastics

Swimming
Swimming

Powerlifting
Powerlifting

Athletics
Athletics

Figure Skating
Figure Skating

Football
Football

Figure Skating
Figure Skating

Athletics
Athletics

Basketball
Basketball

High Jump
High Jump

Rhythmic Gymnastics
Rhythmic Gymnastics

Kayaking
Kayaking

Floor Hockey
Floor Hockey

Swimming
Swimming

Artistic Gymnastics
Artistic Gymnastics

Handball
Handball

Volleyball
Volleyball

Athletics
Athletics

Artistic Gymnastics
Artistic Gymnastics

Athletics
Athletics

Badminton
Badminton

Equestrian
Equestrian

Roller Skating
Roller Skating

Tennis
Tennis

Cycling
Cycling

Powerlifting
Powerlifting

Kayaking
Kayaking

Triathlon
Triathlon

Floor Hockey
Floor Hockey

Alpine Skiing
Alpine Skiing

Softball
Softball

Sailing
Sailing

Stick Shooting
Stick Shooting

Golf
Golf

Bocce
Bocce

Shotput
Shotput

Long jump
Long jump

Artistic Gymnastics
Artistic Gymnastics