Go for the Gusto
Monday, June 17, 2024
“Let me win. But if I cannot win, let me be brave in the attempt.” – The Athlete Oath, Special Olympics
The Special Olympics can trace its origins back to the Joseph P. Kennedy Jr. Foundation, which was established in 1946 for the purpose of “doing good works.” It later focused on how society cares for people with intellectual disabilities (then known as “mental retardation”) and to help identify and disseminate ways to prevent its causes. Named after the oldest son of Joseph and Rose Kennedy who was killed in action during World War II, the foundation really took off under the leadership of his sister, Eunice Kennedy Shriver.
For several decades, the foundation awarded grants to fund research into intellectual disabilities. In October 1961, President John F. Kennedy established the President's Panel on Mental Retardation and a year later, Eunice Shriver opened a summer camp for young people with intellectual disabilities at her home in suburban Washington, D.C. Known as “Shriver Camp,” it welcomed dozens of young people from local institutions and agencies. Campers ranged in age from about six to 16, and volunteer counselors were recruited from local high schools and colleges with the goal of having a one-to-one instructional ratio with campers. A second camp, Foundry Branch Day Camp (later called Sunny Grove), was added that same year.
In 1964, the Kennedy Foundation held a two-day conference on the importance and benefits of physical activity for people with intellectual disabilities. This groundbreaking conference led to six major universities offering degrees in therapeutic recreation, year-round recreation programs for people with intellectual disabilities, and the first International Special Olympics Summer Games at Soldier Field in Chicago, a joint venture between the Kennedy Foundation and the Chicago Park District, in 1968. Today, more than 4 million athletes with intellectual disabilities compete in over 30 different Olympic-type sports every year.
My friend, if these courageous athletes can overcome their disabilities to compete at such a high level, what excuse do we – as believers in Jesus Christ who are indwelled by the Holy Spirit – have for not “giving it our all” when it comes to spiritual warfare and our individual faith walk?
Go for the gusto!
“Jesus declared, ‘Love the Lord your God with all your heart and with all your soul and with all your mind.’” Matthew 22:37 (BSB)
- Rev. Dale M. Glading, President
