• World Games

After 20 World Games involving millions of athletes and hundreds of nations, Special Olympics has grown into the largest, most important sports movement in history. Learn more about the World Games.

• Camp Shriver

Eunice Kennedy Shriver started her life's work in her own backyard by hosting Camp Shriver, a summer sports camp for people with intellectual disabilities. Learn more about Camp Shriver.

• Advocacy

Of the hundreds of thousands of words, phrases, sentences, paragraphs and entire volumes that Eunice has said or written about people with intellectual disabilities, one resonates: "A salvaged life." Learn more about Advocacy.

• 1968 Games

On July 20, 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." Learn more about the 1968 Games.

• Awards

In 1984, U.S. President Ronald Reagan presented Eunice with the Presidential Medal of Freedom, America's highest civilian award for public service. Learn more about the Awards.

• Global Leaders

Eunice, seen here with former President of the Republic of South Africa, Nelson Mandela, recruited the support of the world's most influential leaders for the Special Olympics movement. Learn more about Global Leaders.

• Mrs. Shriver's Family

Born into a family that has come to symbolize public service and sacrifice, Eunice and her husband, Sargent Shriver, have instilled that commitment in their own children and grandchildren. Learn more about Mrs. Shriver's Family.

• A Very Special Christmas

The history of music is full of great collaborations: Gilbert & Sullivan, Rodgers & Hammerstein, Lennon & McCartney, and many more. And of course, Eunice's son Bobby Shriver and Jimmy Iovine, whose innovative idea for the A Very Special Christmas music albums has helped Special Olympics spread its message of joy, respect and acceptance around the world. Learn more about A Very Special Christmas.

• Friends

For more than 40 years, Eunice has attracted the support many athletes, entertainers, and celebrities who act as public ambassadors for the Special Olympics movement. Learn more about Eunice's Friends.

• Athletes

Every interaction between Eunice and a Special Olympics athlete was meaningful. And as one athlete commented, "Everything she has said the athletes to be, she is herself." Learn more about the Athletes.

• Families

One of Eunice's greatest priorities has been to create a place of welcome for the families of those with intellectual disabilities, and to strengthen family life through Special Olympics. Learn more about the Families.

• Coaching

Coaches are the lifeblood of Special Olympics, providing both the knowledge and emotional support its athletes need to succeed. Learn more about Coaching.