South Dakota Special Olympics Accreditation in 1973

The Special Olympics, created in 1968, provides year-round sports training and athletic competition for special needs children and adults. The program was originally sponsored by the Joseph P. Kennedy, Jr. Foundation. Accreditation of programs in the United States was authorized by the founder of the Special Olympics, Eunice Kennedy Shriver, sister of Rose Kennedy who had intellectual challenges. Ms. Shriver received a degree in social work and was an accomplished athlete at Stanford University. Throughout her life, she was a philanthropist and a pioneer for the rights  and acceptance of individuals with intellectual disabilities.  

              1973 marked the sixth year that the University of South Dakota received accreditation to sponsor this program. In charge of the USD program was Chuck Spencer, coordinator of curriculum for the Department of Health, Physical Education, Recreation and Athletics. This was also his third year as state director of the program (Volante, October 9, 1973).

              The image shows Eunice Kennedy Shriver talking with Chuck Spencer in 1973. The Special Olympics motto behind the pair reads “Let me win. But if I cannot win, let me be brave in the attempt.” (Vermillion Plain Talk, October 11, 1973).

From the USD Photograph Collection, Series 10, 11266.2.