Special Olympics Canada announced that Dr. Frank Hayden, the Canadian researcher whose groundbreaking work in the 1960s directly led to the creation of the global Special Olympics movement, has died. He was 96.
Hayden's research demonstrated that structured exercise was profoundly beneficial for individuals with intellectual disabilities. This foundational science inspired Eunice Kennedy Shriver to found the Special Olympics on July 20, 1968. Today, the organization serves millions of athletes in over 170 countries.
A native of St. Catharines, Ontario, Hayden was later inducted into Canada's Sports Hall of Fame and appointed a Companion of the Order of Canada, the nation's highest civilian honor. A school in Burlington, Ontario, also bears his name.
Gail Hamamoto, CEO of Special Olympics Canada, stated, "We mourn this tremendous loss with profound gratitude for everything he gave to this movement and to the athletes who inspired his life’s work."
Hayden is survived by four children, seven grandchildren, and five great-grandchildren. A celebration of life is scheduled for June 19 at Dr. Frank J. Hayden Secondary School.