Thousands compete in the 2010 Special Olympics

The 2010 Special Olympics, USA National Games are kicking off at the University of Nebraska this Sunday.

It is the first game since Special Olympics founder Eunice Kennedy Shriver died last August. 3,000 athletes will be keeping her dream alive, competing over six days in thirteen Olympic style sports.

Tim Shriver, Special Olympics President and CEO, says this year's sporting event will be bittersweet, particularly with his mother's passing.

"It's going to be terrific games in Nebraska," said Shriver. "I never feel closer to my mother than when I'm at a Special Olympics event. The movement that she dreamed up with the combination of faith and fight in her own backyard, determination to upend prejudice and to fight against discrimination, that movement is now catching wildfire all over the world."

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According to Shriver, last year over 40,000 Special Olympics events took place all around the world, with over 3.5 million athletes participating in community-based sports.

Ricardo Thornton, a Special Olympics athlete, participating in the 100-meter run, track and field event, said the Olympics has given him purpose.

"Leading an institution and staying involved in Special Olympics has been a god for me," said Thornton. "Ms. Shriver has kinda woken us up with the torch run and the great speech she gave at the early summer games."