¹Tonight, in this great stadium, a new legend is born. You, athletes, are the heroes of that legend. Here, where crowds once cheered for Johnny Lujack and George Gipp: for Joe Theisman and Rocky Bleier, tonight they cheer for you.

⁴You are the stars and the world is watching you. By your presence you send a message to every village, every city, every nation. A message of hope. A message of
victory:

⁷"The right to play on any playing field?

You have earned it.

⁹The right to study in any school?

You have earned it.

¹¹The right to hold a job?

You have earned it?

¹³The right to be anyone's neighbor?

You have earned it."

¹⁵The days of segregation and separation are over!

You Special Olympians have thrilled us on the playing fields of the world. You have taught us that what matters is not power or politics, weapons or wealth. What truly counts is the courageous spirit, the generous heart.

¹⁹Like the heart of the mother whose daughter is special. She walked with her child 16 miles each week from her village to the coach who taught her daughter how to run. This mother is in the stadium tonight and tomorrow, with the world watching, she will see her daughter race in the 200-meter dash.