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Over 50 years ago in Hyannis, MA, Eunice Kennedy Shriver had a vision to change the world through sports. From Hyannis, MA to the first Special Olympics Summer Games in Chicago on July 20, 1968, Mrs. Shriver started a movement where every athlete has the opportunity to compete and say, "Let me win, but if I cannot win, let me brave in the attempt."
50 years after the first Special Olympics Games, we celebrate all of the athletes, families, volunteers, and supporters who've turned a one-day competition into a global movement. We celebrate the 12,000 athletes in Massachusetts and the 5 million athletes worldwide who train and compete year-round. We celebrate the 11,000 volunteers in Massachusetts who coach and support athletes every week in their training, who are teammates on the playing field, who are volunteering their time and skills to have year-round tournaments and events. As we celebrate 50 years, we celebrate you and we thank you for being on the team. Thank you for 50 years and here's to 50 more!
Happy 50th Anniversary!
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"The smiles on the athletes faces when they compete is worth millions to me."
Cheer on Special Olympics athletes as they compete for gold this summer! It's not too late to volunteer at the mid-season qualifying tournaments for bocce, cycling, and softball this month. Get to know athletes in your community as you keep score, keep time, and ensure every athlete is smiling as they compete!
| Date |
Location |
Event |
| Saturday, July 21st |
Marlborough |
Bocce Qualifying Tournament |
| Saturday, July 21st |
Framingham |
Cycling Qualifying Tournament |
| Saturday, July 28th |
Bellingham |
Softball Qualifying Tournament |
| Saturday, July 28th |
Easthampton |
Softball Qualifying Tournament |
| Saturday, July 28th |
Easthampton |
Bocce Qualifying Tournament |
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Tournament of Champions is Open for Registration!
The summer season ends with Tournament of Champions on Saturday, August 25th and Sunday, August 26th. Athletes and teams from across Massachusetts will travel to Marlborough, Northborough, and Stow for two days to compete in softball, cycling, bocce, and golf. 400 volunteers are needed throughout the weekend to cheer, announce games, keep score, keep time, give out awards, and more.
Join Tournament of Champions and register to volunteer!
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Join a Soccer or Flag Football Team
Why join the team? For one Unified partner it's because, "
I enjoy the friendships I make with a diverse group of people. I feel I get just as much from the athletes I compete with as they do from me."
Soccer and flag football teams are looking for teammates and coaches to join their team this fall season! Train and practice weekly during the three-month season and compete at two weekend tournaments. In addition to the teams below, there are many more teams throughout the state that are welcoming volunteers to their team!
Email
[email protected]
for more information on the teams below, or for information on other teams near you.
Lead your team and teach the rules and skills of the sport at weekly practices and at competitions. Must be 18 years or older and have experience with the sport.
| Location |
Practice Schedule |
Sport |
| Mansfield |
Sunday 4:00pm-5:00pm |
Soccer |
Assist the head coach at weekly practices. Experience level and specific tasks vary for each team. Must be 16 or older.
| Location |
Practice Schedule |
Sport |
| Fitchburg |
To be determined |
Soccer |
Be a teammate and train and compete alongside athletes with intellectual disabilities. Level of experience and age varies for each team.
| Location |
Practice Schedule |
Sport |
| Fitchburg |
To be determined |
Soccer (must be 16 years or older for this team) |
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Red Burns Bridge in Worcester
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Inclusion Revolution
This Friday, July 20th, major landmarks and buildings in Massachusetts and around the world will light up in red in celebration of the 50th anniversary of Special Olympics. This
Light Up for Inclusion night is a global display of unity and inclusion and symbolizes the continuation of the Special Olympics mission for the next 50 years. Look for buildings in Boston, Worcester, and Springfield including TD Garden, the Prudential Center, the Zakim Bridge, the Monarch Building, and more and
#LightUpForInclusion.
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Boston Red Sox Special Olympics Night
Monday, August 20th is Special Olympics Night at Fenway Park! Watch the Boston Red Sox take on the Cleveland Indians at the 7:10pm game.
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Game Changer: Laurie Halpin
Laurie Halpin has been involved with Special Olympics Massachusetts for 40 years. Throughout her 40 years she has held many roles: coach, Unified partner, fundraiser, mentor, and friend.
"I just keep going back for more," says Laurie. "It's easy to get addicted to it."
Laurie first became involved with bowling and later created a local bocce team with South High in Worcester.
"I get inspired by the athletes. I'm sure I get more out of it than they do," Laurie shares.
Her passion for seeing athletes succeed is just one of the many reasons that Laurie was inducted into the Special Olympics Massachusetts Hall of Fame.
"Laurie should be in the Special Olympics Hall of Fame because she's a kind and caring person - she deserves it more than anybody else," says athlete Vicki Flowers.
Congratulations Laurie and thank you for being a Game Changer for the past 40 years!
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Laurie Halpin Hall of Fame Video
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