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Frank Hayden, Special Olympics catalyst, dies at 96

5/18/2026

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Story summary
  • Frank Hayden, the researcher whose 1960s studies demonstrated exercise benefits for people with intellectual disabilities, died Saturday at age 96.
  • His findings prompted Eunice Kennedy Shriver to found the Special Olympics on July 20, 1968.
  • Hayden was inducted into Canada’s Sports Hall of Fame and received the Order of Canada.
  • A celebration of life will be held June 19 at Dr. Frank J. Hayden Secondary School in Burlington, Ontario.