The International Movement

Dr. Hayden went on to work for the Washington based Kennedy Foundation as the Director of Physical Education and Recreation, working alongside Ms. Kennedy Shriver. The Special Olympics movement continued to grow and to gain respect through the 1980s until the International Olympic Committee (IOC) signed a historic agreement with Sargent and Eunice Kennedy Shriver officially endorsing and recognizing Special Olympics.

Today Special Olympics is the world’s largest sports organization for children and adults with intellectual disabilities, providing year-round training and competitions for over 6 million athletes in 170 countries.