Special Olympics, Founded by Illinois Supreme Court Justice Anne Burke, to Celebrate 50th Anniversary in Chicago

In honor of its 50th anniversary, the Special Olympics will return to the city where it was founded in part by Illinois Supreme Court Justice Anne Burke.

Burke launched the Special Olympics while working for the Chicago Park District on July 20, 1968. It was first held at Chicago’s Soldier Field.

Now, the Special Olympics has grown into the largest sporting event for children and adults with intellectual disabilities, with nearly 5 million Special Olympians representing 172 countries.  

This year’s event will be held July 17-21 in Chicago.

To mark its momentous milestone, a Ceremony of Inclusion will take place from 1 to 7 p.m. Saturday, July 21 at Soldier Field. It is free to the public. 

“The birthplace of Special Olympics, Chicago’s Soldier Field, will host a massive celebration, this Inclusion Revolution that will serve as the spark for people around the world to commit to making their cities more inclusive,” according to the Special Olympics website. “This family friendly festival will offer sports activities, interactive games, exhibits, killer food offerings, and live entertainment.”

A full schedule of events is available online. A celebration concert featuring Chicago native Chance the Rapper will take place July 21 at Northerly Island.