Fifty years ago, the world began to change for the better for millions of people with intellectual disabilities – and for all those who love them.

In the 1960s, children and adults with intellectual disabilities lived in the shadows of society. They were hidden away in homes or institutions.

They didn’t have the chance to go to school, to work, or to play. No one encouraged them to become a part of the community.

Intellectual disabilities were tragically misunderstood. Children and adults were trapped in a cycle of neglect and suffering; their families burdened by societal shame.

No one imagined that this segment of society could acquire athletic and social skills or possibly benefit from the therapeutic value of sports and exercise. Few people conceived of the notion that sports could further their intellectual and adaptive development in the world.

Then, one day in July 1968 the world began to change. The forerunner of Special Olympics, a daylong city-wide track meet held in Chicago’s Soldier Field for people with special needs, put a bright – and very public – spotlight on ability, not disability.

The 1968 event is described as “daybreak” – the early stirring of a global movement for people with intellectual disabilities. No longer trapped in the shadows, the Chicago Games made it possible for the athletes to compete and have fun – not to be stigmatized.

In the months and years that followed, centuries of prejudice and misunderstanding slowly began to melt away. When people saw the passion, skill, and dedication of Special Olympics athletes at competition, windows of understanding opened. Their eyes were widened and their attitudes changed, not just about what those with intellectual disabilities can do, but also about what they themselves can do to help build a better world.

On Saturday, July 21 we will celebrate the Global Day of Inclusion, which marks 50 years since that momentous event on Soldier Field that changed the lives of so many. To honour this historic occasion, landmarks across the globe will be lit up in red to symbolize inclusion and the Special Olympics movement. 

Tim Hortons, a proud partner of Special Olympics Canada, has also joined in on the celebration of this milestone with their announcement of a limited edition Special Olympics doughnut, designed by Special Olympics Alberta athlete Savannah Lussier. This doughnut will available nationwide on July 21, with all proceeds going to support life-changing Special Olympics programs across the country.

Over the next year, Special Olympics BC will be highlighting the people and the moments that have built the Special Olympics movement here in British Columbia and throughout the world through our #50moments campaign.

Please join us in celebrating the last half century of inclusion and looking forward to the next 50 years!