As we celebrate the 50th anniversary of Special Olympics this year, we are taking a look back at the #50moments that have defined the Special Olympics movement here in B.C. and throughout the world.

During the 1980s, there was rapid worldwide growth and recognition for the Special Olympics movement. The 1970s saw a surge of Special Olympics events and competitions take place across the United States, and by the mid-1980s the Special Olympics message of inclusion had gained global recognition. There were now Special Olympics programs in more than 50 countries on every major continent. 

On September 24, 1986, the United Nations launched the International Year of Special Olympics with the theme “Special Olympics – Uniting the World.” This moment helped to firmly establish Special Olympics as an international movement, and one that was impacting the lives of people with intellectual disabilities all over the world.

To kick off this global year of inclusion, an all-day celebration was held at the UN headquarters in New York. The festivities included a parade of Special Olympics athletes and a torch-lighting ceremony to mark the occasion. 
Special Olympics coach Arnold Schwarzenegger held a weightlifting demonstration at the event, and there was a musical performance by Academy Award-winning composer Marvin Hamlisch. A Special Olympics Sports Award Luncheon was also held, which welcomed more than 300 UN Ambassadors, celebrities, sports stars, and others.

Special Olympics is now recognized as a global movement, and today more than five million Special Olympics athletes take part in programs in 174 countries around the world.