The Most Inspiring Stories From the 50th Special Olympics | #GrottoFavorites
CHICAGO, IL – JULY 21: Tim and Maria Shriver and family attend the Special Olympics 50th Anniversary Celebration Concert at Huntington Bank Pavilion at Northerly Island on July 21, 2018 in Chicago, Illinois. (Photo by Daniel Boczarski/Redferns)
Chicago hosted one of its biggest events of the summer last weekend. It wasn’t Lollapalooza or the World’s Largest Block Party — it was the 50th Special Olympics Games!
The Olympics returned to Soldier Field — the site of the first games — for the anniversary celebration. It was a party to remember with inspiring performances and celebrity appearances.
But the most inspiring was definitely the athletes and the way they fearlessly advocate for the #InclusionRevolution. Our hearts were warmed as we scrolled through our feed on Monday, and we are feeling inspired to follow the example of those who participated in the events in Chicago this past weekend.
As we wrap up the #SpecialOlympics50 celebration, how will you #ChooseToInclude in your own life and community?
Find out more about how to make an impact at jointherevolution.org
Introducing the #InclusionRevolution
Our world is more divided than ever & coming together has never been more urgent.
Join the #InclusionRevolution & help us build a more inclusive world ➡️ https://t.co/6nrHXEfd3w. pic.twitter.com/AfNKHavFcs
— Special Olympics (@SpecialOlympics) July 22, 2018
50 years later, competing in the same spot!
1968 athlete Tim Corrigan competing in the same spot he did at our inaugural games 50 years ago! #SpecialOlympics50 pic.twitter.com/Ex0LwVCSvO
— Special Olympics (@SpecialOlympics) July 21, 2018
Chance the Rapper’s concert inspired the crowd:
Chance got to meet some of his biggest fans!
The celebration took place all over the world!
Now this is how to celebrate 50 amazing years!
Last night, over 2️⃣2️⃣5️⃣ landmarks around the world lit up red in honor of #SpecialOlympics50! #LightUpForInclusion pic.twitter.com/2WBbRXFDEF
— Special Olympics (@SpecialOlympics) July 21, 2018
Usher shared some powerful words:
“The only disability is the inability to love.” –@Usher
More from our #SpecialOlympics50 show ➡️ https://t.co/tOjwKVLhHX pic.twitter.com/uZzs96DRyQ
— Special Olympics (@SpecialOlympics) July 22, 2018
The #UnifiedGeneration spoke up:
Topped off with a visit from one of the greatest Olympic athletes in history:
And #GrottoStories subject Jeremiah Attaochu!
Allie is at #PLAY60Canada celebrating @SpecialOlympics’ 50th anniversary with @JAttaochu45. 🇨🇦
Today is Special Olympics’ Global Day of Inclusion. #ChooseToInclude pic.twitter.com/7Mf88pdlG2
— NFL Canada (@NFLCanada) July 21, 2018
And Jimmy Fallon and The Roots gave the Special Olympics a special tribute:
Thank you @jimmyfallon & @theroots for celebrating #SpecialOlympics50 with us! pic.twitter.com/rToDrniavs
— Special Olympics (@SpecialOlympics) July 23, 2018
Maria Shriver wrote a reflection on the 50th Special Olympics and the power of inclusion:
People can and do come together. They do know right from wrong. They do know that others should be treated with respect and dignity… I was reminded this at the 50th anniversary of @SpecialOlympics #Chicago. See what #IveBeenThinking in my Sunday Paper: https://t.co/EOILT6xQP5
— Maria Shriver (@mariashriver) July 22, 2018
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