This 1968 home movie captures Dallas-area schoolchildren participating in a number of activities. First, young girls perform in a dance recital. Then, Notre Dame students take a class field trip to a park, where they enjoy playing in the open fields. Founded in 1963 by the School Sisters of Notre Dame, Notre Dame School serves students with developmental disabilities. Finally, Notre Dame students participate in a Dallas County regional Special Olympics competition. After a marching band-led parade and the lighting of the torch, the athletes compete in track and field contests like a 50-meter dash and tug-o-war. 1968 was likely the first year such an event was held. The First International Special Olympics Summer Games were held in Chicago, Illinois, that summer. Texas would not organize a statewide competition until the following year. The Special Olympics provides year-round training and competitions for children and adults with intellectual disabilities.

Dallas County Dallas

TFC 1960s 1960’s Dallas Dallas County home movie dance recital dance recital children

kid school recess nun teacher instructor playground student park picnic

somersault play field trip pledge of allegiance marching band band track special olympics parade athletics

sports South Dallas Developmental Opportunity Centers track and field competition contest Texas Social Olympics Special Olympics Texas tug-o-war sprint race

Notre Dame School special education