Frank Hayden, Who Led Global Growth of the Special Olympics, Dies at 96

Frank J. Hayden, whose research helped spur the creation and international expansion of the Special Olympics, died on May 16 in Oakville, Ontario. He was 96. His death in an assisted-living residence was confirmed by his family. In 1964 Dr. Hayden published findings that Toronto schoolchildren with intellectual disabilities grew stronger and fitter with physical training, challenging assumptions that they were inherently weak or inactive.

Eunice Kennedy Shriver brought him to Washington in 1965 to help plan the first Special Olympics, and he served as executive director of the inaugural Games at Soldier Field in July 1968, where about 1,000 athletes from the United States and Canada competed. He remained executive director through 1972, returned to academia, and rejoined the Special Olympics in 1981 to lead its international expansion.

He established an office of international development in Washington; within a few years more than 50 countries were sending athletes.

Canada, Oakville, Ontario

frank hayden, special olympics, eunice shriver, soldier field, toronto, oakville, intellectual disability, physical training, international expansion, 1968 games