Last updated on October 3, 2007

To provide year-round sports training and athletic competition in a variety of Olympic-type sports for persons eight years of age and older with mental retardation, giving them continuing opportunities to develop physical fitness, demonstrate courage, experience joy and participate in a sharing of gifts, skills, and friendship with their families, other Special Olympics athletes, and community.

Description:
Special Olympics is founded on the belief that people with learning disabilities can, with proper instruction and encouragement, learn, enjoy, and benefit from participation in individual and team sports. These must be adapted only as necessary to meet the need of those with mental and physical limitations.
Special Olympics believes that consistent training is indispensable to the development of an individual's sports skills. In addition, competition among those of equal abilities is the most appropriate means of testing these skills, measuring progress, and providing incentives for personal growth.

History:
June 1963 Eunice Kennedy Shriver begins a summer day camp for individuals with mental retardation at her home in Maryland.
July 1968 The first International Special Olympics Games are held at Chicago's Soldier Field.
December 1971 The United States Olympic Committee gives Special Olympics official approval to use the name "Olympics", one of only two organizations.
February 1988 The International Olympic Committee (IOC) signs an historic agreement officially endorsing and recognizing Special Olympics.

Contact people:

Kathlynn Doran, Assistant Director, (phone), (email) Kathlynn Doran, Assistant Director-Ingham, (phone), (email) Anne Goudie, Area Director, (phone), (email)

Office fax number: (517) 325-6362

Address:

2901 Wabash Lansing, MI 48910 (See a map)

Web Site: http://somi.org

Directions:

Wabash is a side street that turns east off of Aurelius Road about half way between Jolly and Mt. Hope Roads. Wabash comes to and end where you have make a turn right and then left where it continues. Wabash ends at the Beekman Center. The Special Olympic Michigan-Area 8 Office is located through the front door located at the furthest end of the building. There is a sign for Special Olympics at this entrance.   Nearest Bus Stop: CATA, 5 minute walk

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