Michael Cusack was an athlete with Down syndrome who won a gold medal in freestyle swimming at the first Special Olympics in 1968.While growing up in Chicago, Cusack began participating in a sports program for children with intellectual disabilities.
He was the first student to join the program, impressing his coaches with his athletic abilities and inspiring others to join.
The program grew into the first Special Olympics, a citywide competition held at Soldier Field and supported by a grant from the Kennedy Foundation.
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