Lesson 5: You Belong in the Game
Take a moment to read each of the questions and either write down or think about how each would make you feel. How would you feel if...
...you were told you could play, but your friend with a disability could not play? I would feel...
...you were told you can’t play in a game because of how you learn in school? I would feel...
Youth with intellectual disabilities (ID) DID feel this way!
In the 1950’s and 1960’s people with ID were not included in some things. Their strengths were ignored. They were excluded from sports and left out of camps. People thought they did not belong because they learned, looked, and moved differently.
Eunice Kennedy Shriver had a sister with ID. She wanted to include her and others in sports. She knew everyone could play!
What is the antonym for the word "excluded"? Flip the card and see if your answer is correct.
Eunice Kennedy Shriver had a sister with ID. She wanted to include her and others in sports. She knew everyone could play!
What is the antonym for the word "excluded"? Flip the card and see if your answer is correct.
Ignored
Incorrect
Included
CORRECT!
Everyone could play
Incorrect
Creating chances for youth with ID to play!
Mrs. Shriver took action.
Watch, Eunice Kennedy Shriver: One Woman's Vision
Click on each number and read a fact. Then think to yourself: What is one way Eunice Kennedy Shriver showed she believed youth with ID belong in sports?
Watch, Eunice Kennedy Shriver: One Woman's Vision
Click on each number and read a fact. Then think to yourself: What is one way Eunice Kennedy Shriver showed she believed youth with ID belong in sports?
Summer Camp
In 1962 Mrs. Shriver hosted a summer camp in her backyard. She invited youth with ID to join. Kids of all ages and races came. Everyone played together and had fun!
4 More Years
Her summer camp ran for 4 more years! More and more kids joined.
Starting to Change Minds
Many people still believed kids with ID could not learn how to play sports. She started to change their minds. Many people started to work with her.
1968
In 1968 she helped put on the 1st Special Olympics Games. 1,000 athletes joined!
6 Million Kids
Today, 6 million kids play in Special Olympics sports!