First Special Olympics Held

Date: July 20, 1968 • Location: Near South Side, United States

The first games of the Special Olympics (athletes pictured), for athletes with intellectual disabilities, were held at Soldier Field in Chicago.

The 1968 Special Olympics World Summer Games were held Chicago, Illinois, United States, on July 20, 1968. Most of the event was held at Soldier Field, while some of the smaller indoor aspects were held in the Conrad Hilton Hotel. The event was co-sponsored by the Chicago Park District and the Joseph P. Kennedy Jr. Foundation.