Some people train for the Olympics from childhood in their chosen sport. But for those with intellectual challenges, physical competition often seems to be out of reach. This is where the Special Olympics comes in. Founded forty years ago by Eunice Kennedy Shriver, the Special Olympics is an international organization that promotes understanding, acceptance and inclusion between people with and without intellectual disabilities, celebrating people's diverse abilities.
In August 2007, the Accretive Solutions staff cheered their favorite baseball team to victory while showing their support for the Special Olympics. The Tigers' game event helped the Special Olympics support over 15,200 Michigan athletes. Athletes are given continuing opportunities to develop physical fitness, demonstrate courage, experience joy, and participate in a sharing of gifts, skills, and friendship with their families, other Special Olympics athletes, and the community.
The Special Olympics helps provide sports training and athletic competition in a variety of Olympic-type sports for the children and adults with intellectual disabilities who live in Michigan.