Old West Durham Neighborhood Association











OWDNA's positions on:
Regional Rail
Traffic Calming
Green Space



    OWD and the Special Olympics



    Arnold Schwarzenegger at the 1999 Special Olympics World Games.

    Hyannisport is a bit far. So, where do the Kennedys and the Shriver's go when gathering as a family during the 1999 Special Olympics World Games? Old West Durham, of course.

    Eunice Kennedy Shriver (founder of the Special Olympics), Sargent Shriver (vice-presidential candidate and first director of the Peace Corps), Maria Shriver, Arnold Schwarzenegger and a host of other family members gathered for an intimate dinner at Parizade's Restaurant in OWD on June 28.

    Old West Durham has also played other roles at the largest sporting event being held in the world this year. The Olympic torch was carried down Hillsborough Road and Ninth Street on its way to lighting the Olympic caldron during the opening ceremonies.

    The food for the honored guest reception before the opening ceremonies (and for several other receptions) was provided by Giorgios Hospitality Group, located on Ninth Street. Colorful fireworks from the closing ceremonies at Duke lit the OWD sky on July 4th. And, several neighborhood residents volunteered for the nine-day event including OWDNA president, John Schelp, who served as Sargent Shriver's host for much of the week.