First Special Olympics - 1968

Nearly fifty years ago today, the first International Special Olympics were held in Chicago on Soldier Field. About 1,000 athletes with intellectual disabilities from 26 U.S. states and Canada competed in track and field, swimming, and floor hockey.

That was how far we had come.

Yet, only one decade earlier in the 1950’s people with intellectual disabilities weren't being educated. But by 1968 they were participating in a national athletic event. Eunice Kennedy Shriver, the creator of the Special Olympics, said, “through sports they can realize their potential for growth."


Today, over 4.5 million athletes in 170 countries participate in the Special Olympics! The potential for growth is undeniable. NTI is here to continue the movement. NTI believes the market for people with disabilities can grow and to find individuals with disabilities jobs. There is room for change and more opportunity then ever before. Be part of the change. NTI can help change your life with a job. If you are interested, feel free to sign up at www.nticentral.org/learnmore

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Note: Our Special Olympics picture was inspired by the works of famed artist Max Liebermann, who was born on this date back in 1847. View and like a larger picture of our image on Instagram here:  https://goo.gl/hYSkgo

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