By: Ashmar Mandou

To commemorate the 50th anniversary, Special Olympics officials joined the Chicago Park District at a groundbreaking ceremony held for the Eternal Flame of Hope – a permanent, 30-foot monument for Special Olympics at Soldier Field, the site of the first games 50 years ago, on Friday, March 2nd. The Eternal Flame of Hope will be located on Soldier Field’s North Lawn, off of McFetridge Drive. “The Eternal Flame of Hope not only celebrates Chicago as the birthplace of the Special Olympics, it is a testament to the depth and talent of athletes who compete at the highest level every year,” Mayor Emanuel said. “The Special Olympics will always have a home in Chicago, and we are proud to support the participating athletes who showcase to the world what it means to be an Olympian.”

City of Chicago Mayor Rahm Emanuel, Chicago Park District Superintendent Mike Kelly, Special Olympics International CEO Mary Davis, Illinois Supreme Court Justice Anne Burke and four Special Olympics athletes who participated in the first games in 1968 attended this afternoon’s ceremony to celebrate the monument as a symbol of inclusion. “The Chicago Park District is proud to have played a part in the founding of Special Olympics and to carry on the great legacy through the inclusive programming we run for children and adults with intellectual disabilities at more than 21 park locations across the city,” Chicago Park District Superintendent Mike Kelly said. “This monument will serve as a reminder of that first event and serve as a beacon symbolizing the potential of every individual for greatness.” On July 20, 1968, nearly 1,000 athletes with intellectual disabilities from 26 states and Canada came together at Soldier Field for the first ever International Special Olympics Games. The idea for Special Olympics came from then 23-year-old Anne McGlone Burke, a Chicago Park District instructor who in 1967 was running a program for children with intellectual disabilities at West Pullman Park. She presented the idea of a citywide track meet to Eunice Kennedy Shriver, the Joseph P. Kennedy Foundation and City of Chicago Mayor Richard J. Daley.

This summer, July 17-21, Chicago will again host athletes from around the world for a 50th anniversary celebration. On July 20, law enforcement officers from across the region will run alongside Special Olympics athletes in the Law Enforcement Torch Run. This 4-mile run will take place on the lakefront bike path and will conclude with the lighting of the Eternal Flame of Hope. For more information, visit www.specialolympics50.org.