Q 01/05

Who founded Special Olympics after running a backyard summer camp for children with intellectual disabilities?

A) Eleanor Roosevelt

B) Jacqueline Kennedy Onassis

C) Eunice Kennedy Shriver

D) Coretta Scott King

Answer · why

C) Eunice Kennedy Shriver

Eunice Kennedy Shriver, a sister of President John F. Kennedy, announced the new organization at the very first games in 1968.

Q 02/05

Which Midwestern city hosted the first Special Olympics games in July 1968, drawing about 1,000 athletes?

A) Chicago

B) Detroit

C) Cleveland

D) Milwaukee

Answer · why

A) Chicago

Chicago's Soldier Field hosted the meet, and a swimming pool was specially built inside the stadium for the races.

Q 03/05

Unlike Special Olympics, which event for athletes with disabilities shares a host city and year with the Olympics?

A) Deaflympics

B) Invictus Games

C) Warrior Games

D) Paralympics

Answer · why

D) Paralympics

The Paralympics were first held in Rome in 1960, while Special Olympics World Games keep their own separate schedule and hosts.

Q 04/05

Members of which profession carry the Flame of Hope to Special Olympics opening ceremonies in a fundraising Torch Run?

A) Firefighters

B) Police officers

C) Ambulance drivers

D) Lifeguards

Answer · why

B) Police officers

Police officers began the Torch Run in Wichita, Kansas, in 1981, and it grew into the movement's largest grassroots fundraiser.

Q 05/05

Which winter fundraiser, a favorite of Special Olympics chapters, dares supporters to jump into icy lakes and oceans?

A) Polar Plunge

B) Ice Bucket Challenge

C) Tough Mudder

D) Turkey Trot

Answer · why

A) Polar Plunge

Polar Plunge events can be huge: one annual plunge for Special Olympics drew 7,400 people and raised $2.2 million in 2007.