DECATUR - It's birthday time for Special Olympics Illinois.

Forty years ago, on July 20, about 1,000 athletes from the United States and Canada participated in track and field and aquatic events in Soldier Field in Chicago.

On that day, Eunice Kennedy Shriver announced the formation of a national Special Olympics. Within a year, programs were started across the United States, including in Decatur and Macon County. The activities have continued to expand.

"Now there are Special Olympics programs in more than 150 countries," said Michele Henson, director of communications and publications for Special Olympics Illinois, headquartered in Normal. "We have 21,000 athletes in Illinois; 2.5 million in more than 175 countries."

Special Olympics is sports training and athletic competition for children and adults with intellectual disabilities. They experience the joy of teamwork, self-esteem and friendship.

"The 40-year celebration is not only about an event, just as Special Olympics is not only about training and competition," said Doug Snyder, president and CEO of Special Olympics Illinois. "Each of the competitions receives publicity, each of the events engages volunteers, each of the events produces the high and excitement of achieving and socializing. Therefore, throughout the state, Special Olympics Illinois will be celebrating the dreams of those who dared to do what 40 years ago seemed unthinkable."

There are 18 area organizations in Illinois. The Central area includes Macon, Moultrie, Christian, Logan and Shelby counties, with headquarters in Decatur.

Joanie Keyes, the area director, started working with the Decatur Park District. She has been in Special Olympics 17 years.

There are 689 athletes in this district. Offered are aquatics, athletics, basketball, bocce, bowling, cross country, skiing, equestrian, motor activities training program, power lifting, snowshoeing, soccer, softball, tennis, volleyball, unified bocce and unified golf.

"Actually, this is our 39th anniversary," Keyes said. "We started a year after the state organization started.

"We have a new program, for children ages 2 to 7. We'll help develop motor skills to prepare them to become athletes."

Shelley Karl was the Central Illinois Area 10 athlete of the year. At age 49, she competed in track and field, basketball skills and bingo dancing.

"I've been in Special Olympics for more than 20 years," she said. "It's fun." Karl has worked at Long John Silver's on West Eldorado Street for 21 years.

Bob Fallstrom can be reached at bfallstrom@herald-review.com or 421-7981.