HRES1279AUG1

Whereas Eunice Kennedy Shriver organized the first international Special Olympics Summer Games, which were held on July 20, 1968, in Chicago's Soldier Field;

Whereas the Special Olympics World Games are held every 4 years;

Whereas the Special Olympics oath is `Let me win, but if I cannot win, let me be brave in the attempt.', which was originally spoken by gladiators entering the arena in ancient Rome;

Whereas the Special Olympics is dedicated to empowering individuals with intellectual disabilities to become physically fit, productive, and respected members of society through sports training and competition;

Whereas the Special Olympics currently serves 2,500,000 people with intellectual disabilities in more than 200 programs in over 180 countries;

Whereas the Special Olympics currently has 700,000 volunteers and 500,000 coaches worldwide;

Whereas the Special Olympics programs offer year-round training and competition in 30 Olympic-type sports for both winter and summer;

Whereas at every Special Olympics awards ceremony, in addition to the traditional medals for first, second, and third places, athletes from fourth to last are presented a suitable place ribbon with appropriate ceremony;

Whereas the Special Olympics events are open to all intellectually disabled peoples that are above the age of 8 regardless of the degree of their disability;

Whereas the Special Olympics was officially recognized by the International Olympics Committee in February 1988 and is the only organization authorized by the International Olympics Committee to use the word `Olympics' worldwide;

Whereas the Flame of Hope is a symbol of the Special Olympics World Games and is lit in a special ceremony in Athens, Greece;

Whereas the Law Enforcement Torch Run is a multinational fundraising campaign for the Special Olympics programs in which the Flame of Hope is run by law enforcement officers to raise funds and awareness for the Special Olympics;

Whereas the cities of Lincoln and Omaha, Nebraska will be hosts to the Special Olympics in July 2010; and

Whereas the Special Olympics provides its athletes continuing opportunities to develop physical fitness, demonstrate courage, experience joy, and participate in a sharing of gifts, skills, and friendship with their families, other Special Olympics athletes, and the community: Now, therefore, be it

Resolved, That the House of Representatives congratulates the Special Olympics on its 40th anniversary for the contributions and opportunities it provides to all its participants.

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