Today marks the 47th year since the inception of the Special Olympics World Games. 7,000 world-class athletes from 177 countries will compete in 25 events in a celebration of athleticism, teamwork and inclusion. A reminder of the universality of sport, this is an opportunity for athletes with disability to compete in one of humankind's greatest traditions.

The games were created in Chicago by Eunice Shriver to give athletes with cognitive disabilities “the chance to play, the chance to compete and the chance to grow.”  Like all World Games, the events over the next 9 days will challenge participants to push their bodies to the best of their capacity. They'll compete against odds and against one another to perform at their peak and to honor their unique gifts to the fullest.

Doodle team lead Ryan Germick illustrated and animated today's doodle inspired by the circle of inclusion, which represents the acceptance of all people with intellectual disabilities. It celebrates the athletes in these games, as well as those who support them — the friends and mentors who helped carry the Flame of Hope from its origin in Athens, Greece to its temporary home in Los Angeles, California.

Cheers to you, and the very best of luck!