50 inspiring photos from the Special Olympics

Written by:
June 20, 2018
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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

Tennis

Tennis

Cycling

Cycling

Powerlifting

Powerlifting

Kayaking

Kayaking

Floor Hockey

Floor Hockey

Alpine Skiing

Alpine Skiing

Softball

Softball

Sailing

Sailing

Golf

Golf

Bocce

Bocce

Shotput

Shotput

Long jump

Long jump

Artistic Gymnastics

Artistic Gymnastics

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