From May 14-17th 2019, Toronto will welcome 2,000 athletes and 500 coaches from around the world to participate in the inaugural Special Olympics Ontario Invitational Youth Games. The organizing committee needs the help of Rotarians in District 7070……..
The Special Olympics movement started in 1968 under the leadership of Eunice (Kennedy) Shriver, and is celebrating 50 years of existence through a series of events around the world. While this is well-known, what is not widely acknowledged is the movement's Canadian roots. In the early 1960's, Dr. Frank J Hayden – with the financial support of the Rotary Clubs of Eglinton, Armour Heights, Forest Hill, Downsview, Eglinton and Willowdale – published a report detailing the importance of physical fitness for the mentally retarded. We have come a long way and no longer use such terminology for people with an intellectual disability, but the impact of Dr. Hayden's research is unquestioned. In 1968, in conjunction with the Kennedy Foundation, Dr. Hayden organized the first Chicago Special Olympics.
Over $2.5 million in support has been confirmed from government bodies and many foundations. We are now kicking-off our Draft an Athlete Program – through which we hope to raise $2 million over the next 2 months. Here is a PDF file containing a few slides for your review (from part of a much larger presentation!), but I would welcome the opportunity to have a meeting or a phone call to see if there an opportunity to create awareness of this event though the Rotary community. Dr. Hayden has offered to come and speak at any of your events if you think this would be helpful and appropriate.
Rupert Hamilton sits on the board of the event and he is interested in speaking with Rotary clubs about our potential support of the event.
Please contact Rupert by email ( Rupert.Hamilton@td.com ) or at (416) 308-4812 to discuss at your convenience.
Thank you in advance