The Visionary behind Special Olympics: Eunice Kennedy Shriver

Eunice Kennedy Shriver died on August 11 after suffering a series of strokes the past year.  A sister of President John F. Kennedy and of two senators, she’ll be remembered most, and justifiably so, as the founder of Special Olympics and as a champion for those with intellectual disabilities.

At a time when people with intellectual disabilities were treated as second-class citizens and often institutionalized, Shriver, more than anyone, worked hard to change peoples’ perceptions.  She shared her beliefs that with the right support structure, most developmentally disabled people could lead productive lives.  She also believed they could deal with the emotional highs and lows of athletic competition.

Inspired by her sister Rosemary who was developmentally challenged, Shriver organized the first Special Olympics to showcase the abilities of the mentally disabled in 1968. An athlete herself, she understood that sports would bring friendship, character-building and self-worth qualities to competitors.  The first event was held at Soldier Field in Chicago.  About 1,000 contestants competed representing 26 states and Canada.

According to an article in the Washington Post,

“The Special Olympics has become the world’s largest year-round sports program for mentally disabled children and adults. More than 2.5 million athletes in 180 countries take part in competitions each year. Contestants work through local and regional meets toward the World Special Olympics, held every two years.”

President Obama noted that Shriver will be remembered, “as a champion for people with intellectual disabilities, and as an extraordinary woman who, as much as anyone, taught our nation, and our world, that no physical or mental barrier can restrain the power of the human spirit.”

Get Involved:

www.SpecialOlympics.com

Special Olympics commercial:

NBC News report: