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Eunice Kennedy Shriver has been a leader in the worldwide struggle to improve and enhance the lives of individuals with intellectual disabilities.
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Eunice started her life's work in her own backyard, affectionally dubbed Camp Shriver, where the first of countless small miracles began to occur.
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Of the thousands of phrases and paragraphs that Eunice has said or written about people with intellectual disabilities, one resonates: "A salvaged life."
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In 1968, the first Special Olympics Games were held in Chicago, moving Mayor Richard Daley to predict, "The world will never be the same after this."
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Involving millions of athletes and hundreds of nations, Special Olympics has grown into the largest, most important sports movement in history.
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In 1984, President Reagan presented Eunice with the Presidential Medal of Freedom, America's highest civilian award for public service.
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"If you get to the head, you get to the heart." Eunice recruited the support of the world's most influential leaders for the Special Olympics movement.
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Born into a family that has come to symbolize service, Eunice and her husband Sargent Shriver have instilled that commitment in their own children.
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Sargent Shriver helped build peace by developing and implementing programs and policies structured to promote long-term, cumulative, peaceable change.
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The first Very Special Christmas album was released in 1987, supporting the Special Olympics. Raising over $55 million, more than any other benefit series.
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Eunice has attracted the support of many athletes, entertainers, and celebrities who act as public ambassadors for the Special Olympics movement.
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One of Eunice's greatest priorities has been to create a place of welcome for the families of athletes, and to strengthen family life through Special Olympics.
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Every interaction between Eunice and a Special Olympics athlete is meaningful, "Everything she has said the athletes to be, she is herself."
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Coaching is provided, striving to improve is implicit, competing your guts out during meets is expected.
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View All VideosWatch Videos
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Maria Shriver:
The Groundbreaking Camp Shriver -
NBC News Report:
Her efforts to help people with disabilities circles the globe. -
Eunice Kennedy Shriver:
Talks about the work yet to be done for people with intellectual disabilities -
Senator Ted Kennedy:
Recounts Eunice's very special connection with their sister Rosemary
Post Your Own Tribute | View All TributesRecent Tributes
Her work is very inspiring and moving. It has not only been fun working with special Olympic programs but a true honor. You're work is truly remarkable DBell | Posted on June 6, 2012
Hi Mrs. Shriver my name is Sascha I am 20 years old and I am aspergers mental retardation and learning disorder. As long as I can remember my dream was to go to the Olympics and run and thanks to you I can.Thanks from the bottom of my heart. SS Sascha Shamkin | Posted on May 18, 2012
Special Olympics breathes life into my sister and brother-in-law. While I committ myself to their care, I can not replace the joy they receive from Special Olympics. S.M. Marquardt | Posted on April 19, 2012
Thank you Mrs. Shriver for starting Special Olympics!! I am proud to be part of Special Olympics as an athlete!! rose | Posted on March 22, 2012
I think she was a wonderful, loving and caring lady. Being a mother of a Special Needs Childs it is great to see someone who cares so much about our children. May all her work carry on for years to come. God Bless Her and Her Family Shannon Harrington | Posted on March 16, 2012
One of the most awe-inspiring women this country has ever beheld. Her contribution to her "special friends" and this world was enormous as it was endless. Thank you, dear Mrs. Eunice. You remain forevermore an inspiration to us all. Dede DeBen | Posted on March 1, 2012
thanks for what you have done for us edward | Posted on February 10, 2012
I just wanted to say thank Mrs. Shriver for all that she did to make special olympics possible. Brandon Montgomery | Posted on November 10, 2011
To those who have been given much, much will be required. You fulfilled that injunction by your life, your vision, and your efforts. We are all a little better for you having been here. Rev. Jonathan Gray | Posted on October 10, 2011
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