Special Olympics

Renewed controversy over the assassination of President John F. Kennedy is being cited for the decision by the Special Olympics organization to award the 1995 games to a city other than Dallas.

Dallas, where Kennedy was slain in 1963, was the front-runner until Friday, when city officials were close to signing a contract with the Special Olympics. Dallas Mayor Steve Bartlett said he understands the reservations.

The games were founded by Eunice Shriver, President Kennedy’s sister. “When the Kennedy family travels to Dallas, they get questions about the assassination,” Bartlett said. “The games can go to any other city and not have the distractions.”