July 2018 marked the 50th Anniversary of Special Olympics. A kick-off to a year-long celebration took place 17-21 July in Chicago, Illinois. The event reflected how Special Olympics had evolved and where it was headed. Special Olympics Cheer showcased both a Game Day Cheer Program at the first ever Unified Cup Soccer Tournament and a Cheer Competition Demonstration for Global Day of Inclusion at Soldier Field. Ten Unified Cheer teams (cheerleaders with and without intellectual disabilities) consisting of 130 cheerleaders participated. The teams were from: California, Illinois, Indiana, Iowa, Maryland and Texas. More to the story to come!