The Special Olympics is an organization devoted to helping people with disabilities. One of the best known functions of the group is the organization of the Special Olympic World Games. The games are held ever other year, alternating between summer and winter events.
President Obama Gaffe
On March 19, 2009, President Obama made a remark about his bowling skills being "like Special Olympics, or something" while appearing on The Tonight Show with Jay Leno. Staffers quickly realized the gaffe and issued a statement indicating that he meant no harm by it and that he was only trying to make fun of himself. After the taping of the show, Obama made a phone call and apologized personally to the Special Olympics chairman, Tim Shriver.Top of the Ticket (LAT): Obama apologizes to Shriver ... (March 20, 2009)
What is the Special Olympics?
References
Fast Facts
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Started as a summer day camp by Eunice Kennedy Shriver in 1962Official Site: Special Olympics History
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First International Special Olympics Summer Games are held in 1968Official Site: Special Olympics History
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U.S. Olympic Committee gives official approval for the use of the Olympic nameOfficial Site: Special Olympics History
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One of only two organizations authorized to use the name "Olympics"Official Site: Special Olympics History
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First International Special Olympics Winter Games are held in 1977Official Site: Special Olympics History
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The United Nations launched the International Year of Special Olympics in 1986Official Site: Special Olympics History
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The International Olympic Committee officially endorsed the Special Olympics in 1988Official Site: Special Olympics History
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The White House first hosted a Special Olympics gala in 1998 under President Bill ClintonOfficial Site: Special Olympics History
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Over 2.5 million athletes participated in the Special Olympics around the world in 2006Official Site: Special Olympics History
