RESOLUTION
WHEREAS, Special Olympics Chicago will celebrate its 48th Anniversary during July of 2016; and
WHEREAS, Special Olympics Chicago was organized by the Honorable Anne M.Burke and supported by Eunice Kennedy Shriver and the Joseph P. Kennedy Foundation; and
WHEREAS, The first summer games were held on July 20,1968 at Soldier Field and attended by 1,000 athletes from 26 states and Canada; and
WHEREAS, The Honorable Anne M. Burke knew well the benefits of sports as it pertains to the development of individuals with special needs; and
WHEREAS, The Honorable Anne M. Burke grew up participating in Chicago Park District programs that included track, field, swimming and baton lessons; and
WHEREAS, The Honorable Anne M. Burke's work teaching children with special needs and involvement with organizations helping young people propelled her to establish Special Olympics Chicago; and
WHEREAS, Over the years the Honorable Anne M. Burke has furthered the mission of Special Olympics Chicago which is dedicated to building a community of acceptance and inclusion for all; and
WHEREAS, Special Olympics Chicago works in tandem with the Chicago Public Schools and the Chicago Park District to accomplish this goal; and
WHEREAS, Special Olympics Chicago has grown to serve more than 5,000 athletes annually through 22 different athletic competitions; and
WHEREAS, Special Olympics Chicago fosters the physical and mental health of children and adults with disabilities and provides them with sports training and competitions that allow them to share their gifts, skills, and friendship; and
WHEREAS, During more than four-and-a-half decades of service, Special Olympics Chicago has enriched the lives of countless special needs children and adults; now, therefore
BE IT RESOLVED, That we, the Mayor and the members of the Chicago City Council, assembled this twenty-second day of June, 2016, do hereby recognize this important milestone and do hereby declare that the month of July, 2016, sha...
Click here for full text