The first Special Olympics athletic competition in Delaware was a track & field meet held on June 5, 1971 at the old Wilmington High School. Nearly 100 athletes participated. In attendance were County Councilman Joseph R. Biden, U.S. Rep. Pete Dupont, Gov. Sherman Tribbit, Wilmington Mayor Harry Haskell and University of Delaware football coach Tubby Raymond.
Over 400 athletes compete in the sports of aquatics, basketball, bowling, soccer and cross-country running. Lions Clubs of Delaware select SODE as its charity of choice.
1981 -- The first state office opened in the Hudson State Service Center.
1983 -- The Brandywine Social Club started the first adult community-based program.
1987 -- The first Delaware Law Enforcement Torch Run for Special Olympics runs into the 1987 Summer Games.
1989 -- The Summer Games are moved permanently to the University of Delaware.
1992 -- The first Lewes Polar Bear Plunge and first Fall Festival take place.
1994 -- Sussex County office opens in Georgetown.
1995 -- SODE office opens on the University of Delaware athletic complex.
1996 -- SODE inducts inaugural Hall of Fame members Barbara and Winnie Spence.
1999 -- Athlete Input Council developed.
2001 -- Healthy Athletes is introduced at Summer Games and the Motor Activity Training Program is launched.
2005 -- SODE chosen to pilot Young Athletes program.
2006 -- SODE attends first Special Olympics U.S. National Games in Ames, Iowa.
2009 -- Project Unify is launched.
The organization celebrated its 40th anniversary in 2010, boasting over 3,500 athletes and 500 coaches participating in 20 sports.
© 2012 Special Olympics Delaware. All Rights Reserved. | Privacy Policy | Web Site Design and Development by Bright Orange Thread
