About Stark Public Special Olympics

Go Royal Knights!!

The Stark Public Royal Knights athletes practice and participate in games. As they develop both their bodies and their minds through hard work, they continuously show improvement. Not only are the games fun to watch for all, they are also very exciting. Words can not describe the character that gets built into a person once they start believing in themselves, and in what they can accomplish.

They find that by dedicating themselves and putting their mind and heart towards a goal they can learn to proudly say: "YES, I CAN!" Once you believe in yourself, others also will believe in you.

Stark Public Special Olympics has been providing a variety of sports programs to Stark County school-age qualifying athletes for over 20 years. Approximately 100 athletes currently participate in the program with an additional 20-30 coaches and volunteers pitching in.

Our non-profit, independent, locally-funded, and volunteer-run organization is dedicated to athletic training and fair competition for Stark County's Special Olympic athletes. No fees are assessed the athletes and no one is denied participation due to economic circumstances.

Known as the "Royal Knights," they proudly wear uniforms of royal blue with white lettering or white with royal blue lettering.

We are affiliated with the Ohio Special Olympics and Special Olympics International. There is no sponsorship or affiliation with any specific chool district or board of education, rather we are open for qualifying athletes across Stark County. We must rely solely on fundraisers and donations directly from our local community to continue our programs.

Origin of the Athlete Oath

The Special Olympics Athlete Oath was presented on July 20, 1968 by Eunice Kennedy Shriver at the Opening Ceremonies of the first Special Olympics World Games held in Chicago's Soldier Field.

In front of the many athletes, family members and visitors, with 1,000 athletes from 26 U.S. states and Canada competing in athletics, floor hockey, and aquatics, Mrs. Shriver memorably opened the first Special Olympics Games with these words:

"In ancient Rome, the gladiators went into the arena with these words on their lips: 'Let me win, but if I cannot win, let me be brave in the attempt.'

"Today, all of you young athletes are in the arena. Many of you will win, but even more important, I know you will be brave, and bring credit to your parents and to your country. Let us begin the Olympics. Thank you."

Since that time: "Let me win. But if I cannot win, let me be brave in the attempt." has been the Special Olympics oath, and this oath has been a part of every Special Olympics event.

What impact does Special Olympics have on athletes?

Children and adults with intellectual disabilities who participate in Special Olympics develop improved physical fitness and motor skills, greater self-confidence and a more positive self-image. They grow mentally, socially and spiritually and, through their activities, exhibit boundless courage and enthusiasm, enjoy the rewards of friendship and ultimately discover not only new abilities and talents but "their voices" as well.

Special Olympics empowers people with intellectual disabilities to realize their full potential and develop their skills through year-round sports training and competition.

As a result, Special Olympics athletes become fulfilled and productive members of their families and the communities in which they live.

Special Olympics is an experience that is energizing, healthy, skillful, welcoming and joyful. It improves the lives of people with intellectual disabilities and, in turn, the lives of everyone they touch.

The Special Olympics gives athletes continuing opportunities to develop physical fitness, demonstrate courage, experience joy and participate in a sharing of gifts, skills and friendship with their families, other Special Olympics athletes and the community.

A 1995 Yale University study proved it: our athletes consistently do better at school, at work and at home than their peers not involved in our year-round sports program.

The Origin of the Special Olympics Logo

The logo has five people who each have six arms. The "down" position means "downtrodden," remembering a time when many people thought we were not able to make good decisions or try new things.

The straight arms mean "equal"--we are the same in many ways.

The arms raised represent "joy" and realizing our ultimate goal. All goals should be challenging but reasonable.

The five people represent the five continents involved in Special Olympics at the time the logo was made. The people are placed in a circle to represent the world.

It is pretty overwhelming to think when you look at the globe, there are Special Olympic athletes and volunteers in almost every country.