St. Catharines native and Special Olympics developer Frank Hayden dies at 96

Doctor Frank J. Hayden, whose research in the 1960s spearheaded the creation of the Special Olympics globally, has died at the age of 96.

The Windsor-born, St. Catharines, Ont. native, who passed on Saturday, is survived by four children, seven grandchildren and five great-grandchildren.

His research in the 1960s that exercise and sport would be beneficial for people with intellectual disabilities led to the creation of the Special Olympics.

Founded in the United States in 1968 by Eunice Kennedy Shriver — sister of President John F. Kennedy — the Special Olympics provides athletic training and competitions for millions of athletes with intellectual disabilities in more than 170 countries.

Hayden was inducted into Canada’s Sports Hall of Fame, the Order of Ontario and appointed a companion of the Order of Canada. He was also the recipient of five Honorary Doctor of Law Degrees.

Gail Hamamoto, CEO of Special Olympics Canada, says his work opened doors for people with intellectual disabilities to discover their full potential through sport.

“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,” said Hamamoto in the organization’s online tribute.

A celebration of life will be held June 19 at the Burlington, Ont. high school named after him, Dr. Frank J. Hayden Secondary School.

To learn more about Dr. Hayden’s life, share condolences, and view visitation and service details, visit: Francis “Frank” Hayden Obituary and Condolences.

The public can also honour Dr. Hayden’s legacy with an online donation to Special Olympics Canada.

— With files from The Canadian Press