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Jul 19, 2008 8:04 pm US/Central

Parade, Gala Honor 40 Years Of Special Olympics

New Sculpture Unveiled To Honor Games

CHICAGO (CBS) ― The weather may have been stormy on Saturday, but it didn't rain on a parade celebrating 40 years of the Special Olympics.

A celebration was held Saturday morning to mark the 40th anniversary of the event. The First International Games were held at Soldier Field on July 20, 1968, when athletes with intellectual disabilities came from 26 states and Canada to compete in Olympics-style games.

Illinois Supreme Court Justice Anne Burke had the original idea for the Special Olympics as a 23-year-old Chicago Park District special education teacher. She said continued support from Eunice Kennedy Shriver was what made the Special Olympics the success they are today.

Burke was on hand Saturday to unveil a new sculpture to honor the games.

The celebration continues at the Chicago Hilton and Towers Saturday night. The "Inspire Greatness" gala is being held to honor the Special Olympics athletes and organizers.

CBS 2's Rob Johnson is proud to be the master of ceremonies for the fundraiser. Money raised Saturday night will directly benefit 21,000 Special Olympic athletes in Illinois.

(© MMVIII, CBS Broadcasting Inc. All Rights Reserved.)

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