45
SPECIAL OLYMPICS
Where?
2010-Lincoln and Omaha, NE
2014-Sochi, Russia
When?
Every four years in July.
Significance:
In 1968, Eunice Kennedy Shriver founded the Special Olympics at the first Olympic-style competition in Chicago Park supported by the Kennedy Foundation. Her sister, the late Rosemary Kennedy, had an intellectual disability and served as an inspiration to her sibling and many others. Prior to that announcement, in 1962 Shriver started Camp Shriver, a day camp at her home in Potomac, Maryland, for children with intellectual disabilities. With a focus on physical activity and competition, the seeds were planted for what would become the Special Olympics six years later.
The Special Olympics have grown in participation and prominence. In 1988, the event was recognized by the International Olympic Committee as the only sports organization allowed to use the name Olympics in its title. The Special Olympics offers year-round training and competition in thirty Olympic-style summer and winter sports every four years. It ensures that events are accommodating to a variety of ability levels so these athletes can compete on a level playing field.
The Special Olympics Oath sums it up best: “Let me win. But if I cannot win, let me be brave in the attempt.”
Who attends?
The Special Olympics is attended by fans who like to watch exceptional people do extraordinary things.
Tickets:
Accommodations:
Omaha:
Doubletree Hotel
1616 Dodge Street
Omaha, NE 68102
Phone: (402) 346-7600
Fax: (402) 346-5722
www.doubletree.comNote: Nine miles from the stadium and in the heart of downtown Omaha.
Embassy Suites Hotel-Downtown Omaha
555 South 10th Street
Omaha, NE 68102
Phone: (402) 346-9000
Fax: (402) 346-4236
Toll-Free: 1-800-EMBASSY
www.embassysuites.comNote: For the guest who prefers a more upscale, full-service environment, not to mention a full suite.
Courtyard Omaha Downtown
101 South 10th Street
Omaha, NE 68102
Phone: (402) 346-2200
Fax: (402) 346-7720
Toll-Free: 1-866-204-9388
www.marriott.comNote: A view of the Mississippi River and the restored brick buildings of the Old Market. Walking distance from Rosenblatt Stadium.
Lincoln:
Embassy Suites Lincoln
Note: This full-service hotel boasts all suites. Located in downtown Lincoln.
The Cornhusker-Marriott
333 South 13th Street
Lincoln, NE 68508
Phone: (402) 474-7474
Fax: (402) 474-1847
www.marriott.comNote: Distinguished ten-story downtown hotel combines antique tapestries with modern décor.
Hampton Inn Lincoln-Heritage Park
5922 Vandervoort Drive
Lincoln, NE 68516
Phone: (402) 420-7800
Toll-Free: 1-800-733-5916
www.hamptoninn.comNote: Close to the Nebraska State Capitol, Lincoln Children’s Museum, and the Sheldon Memorial Sculpture Garden.
Sochi, Russia:
Radisson SAS Lazurnaya Hotel, Sochi
Note: Located on the southeast coast beach of the Black Sea. Many recreational activities and a casino onsite.
Radisson SAS Lazurnaya Peak Hotel, Sochi
Note: South of the Russian Black Sea coast in the mountains. Onsite swimming pool, fitness center, and spa.
Travel Packages:
If you are going to travel to this event, I would recommend using a reliable company to work with you on making the necessary arrangements. The suppliers listed in this book have solid references and are by far the most trusted in the business. Below are some of the organizations to try for this Top 100 Must See Sporting Event.
Premiere Corporate Events
14 Penn Plaza, Suite 925
New York, NY 10122
Phone: (212) 695-9480
Fax: (212) 564-8098
Toll-Free: 1-877-621-5243
E-mail: requests@tseworld.com
www.tseworld.comwww.pcevents.comPremiere Sports Travel
201 Shannon Oaks Circle, Suite 205
Cary, NC 27511
Phone: (919) 481-9511
Fax: (919) 481-1337
Toll-Free: 1-800-924-9993
E-mail: sales@sportstravel.com
www.sportstravel.comDining:
Omaha:
Bohemian Café
Note: A local favorite since 1964. Czech and European cuisine are on the menu with everything from roast duck to homemade apple strudel.
Lo Sole Mio Ristorante
3001 South 32nd Avenue
Omaha, NE 68105
Phone: (402) 345-5656
Fax: (402) 345-5859
www.losolemio.comNote: Authentic Italian dishes from freshly made pastas and sauces in a casual, informal setting. Prides itself on having “The best Italian food in town.”
Greek Island
3821 Center Street
Omaha, NE 68105
Phone: (402) 346-1528
Fax: (402) 345-7248
Note: Best known for gyros, Athenian
salads, and other Greek delectables. Fully
stocked bar includes imported Greek wines
and beers.
Flatiron Café
Note: Upscale restaurant located in the historic Flatiron Building. The seasonal menu is ever changing with Miso Marinated Sea Bass and Grilled Breast of Duck.
Spaghetti Works Restaurant
502 South 11th Street
Omaha, NE 68108
Phone: (402) 422-0770
Fax: (402) 341-9833
www.spagworks.comNote: Casual Italian dining with big plates of pasta and your choice of sauces. Sandwiches and ribs are available as well. No reservations.
Lincoln:
The Oven
201 North 8th Street, Suite 117
Lincoln, NE 68508
Phone: (402) 475-6118
Fax: (402) 475-1281
www.theoven-lincoln.comNote: Great Indian food. Considered by many to be the best restaurant in Lincoln.
JTK Cuisine & Cocktails
201 North 7th Street
Lincoln, NE 68508
Phone: (402) 435-0161
Note: Their cuisine stands out in an area filled with Italian restaurants and burger joints.
La Paz Mexican Fare & Cuisine
321 North Cotner Boulevard
Lincoln, NE 68505
Phone: (402) 466-9111
Fax: (402) 466-9244
www.lapazmexican.bizNote: Good food and drinks at reasonable prices with great service from an attentive staff.
Skeeter Barnes
Note: Serving Nebraska Corn-fed Beef, including steaks, prime rib, and burgers.
Sochi, Russia:
American Diner
3 Chernomorskaya ulitsa
Sochi, Russia
Phone: +7 8622 66 1881
Note: A very American restaurant reminiscent of Elvis Presley’s heyday. It is located inside the Zamchuzhina Hotel on the second floor.
Filibuster
3 Chernomorskaya ulitsa
Sochi, 354002, Russia
Note: Located on the beach and features live
Gypsy dancing and music.
Limpopo
3 Chernomorskaya ulitsa
Sochi, Russia
Note: Good food and located near two swimming pools.
Lubava
3 Chernomorskaya ulitsa
Sochi, 354002, Russia
Note: Serving Russian and European cuisine and magnificent fish dishes in a cozy setting. Not for children due to the erotic shows.
Airports:
Omaha:
Eppley Airfield
4501 Abbott Drive, Suite 2300
Omaha, NE 68110
Phone: (402) 661-8000
Fax: (402) 661-8025
www.eppleyairfield.com
Lincoln:
Lincoln Airport
Sochi, Russia:
Sochi International Airport
Notable Quotes:
“If we give a chance to our special athletes, they can do beautiful things and we feel greatness inside us. If we believe the children can make it, we can see it become true.”—JOANNA DESPOTOPOULOU, Special Olympics Hellas president
“My understanding of Olympic spirits is that one day we can realize what is beautiful, the great and the true. We try to inspire others to give people of disabilities an equal chance to be included in the societies no matter how different they are.”—JOANNA DESPOTOPOULOU
Relevant Websites: