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Book Review of A new kind of joy: The story of the Special Olympics

A new kind of joy: The story of the Special Olympics


The story of the Special Olympics is a story of courage and perseverance rare even in the world of sports. For the mentally retarded, overcoming obstacles and prejudices which have too often prevented them from entering the race represents a far greater triumph of the will than many "normal" athletes ever know.
This inspiring book tells in words and pictures the story of the many people who have made the Special Olympics program a success -- the dedicated staff of the Joseph P. Kennedy, Jr., Foundation; the generous and hardworking local volunteers; the celebrities and top athletes whose participation means so much.
And of course, the Special Olympians themselves are introduced to us here. Jim Haskins tells their stories sensitively and in detail. The story of the Special Olympics teaches us the true meaning of sporting competition --- that the joy is not in the winning, but in the utmost endeavor of the human spirit. It is indeed, a new kind of joy.