Eunice Kennedy Shriver, founder of the Special Olympics, died today at age 88. The Special Olympics, today an organization that includes more than 2.5 million participants in 150 countries, began in 1961 as a summer day camp for children with intellectual disabilities at Shriver’s family farm in Maryland. Special Olympics held its first official event in 1968 in Chicago.
Shriver’s legacy in the area of advocacy for people with intellectual and developmental disabilities includes her creation of the National Institute on Child Health and Human Development and the President's Committee on Mental Retardation, both created during her brother John F. Kennedy’s presidency. The federal funds attached to these endeavors resulted in significant research and educational programming in the field.
President Obama released a statement saying Shriver was “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."
For a tribute to Eunice Kennedy Shriver, please visit: http://www.specialolympics.org/ or
http://www.eunicekennedyshriver.org/
"It is my deepest hope that the world can begin to look at our friends with special needs and, for once, tell them, 'Yes, you do belong; yes, you are wonderful; yes, you can be a shining light of hope for the world!"— Eunice Kennedy Shriver
SOURCES:
“Remembering Eunice Shriver: Life and Times, Special Olympics” http://www.washingtonpost.com/wp-dyn/content/discussion/2009/08/11/DI2009081101008.html
“Eunice Kennedy Shriver, Special Olympics founder and sister of JFK, dies at 88”
http://www.latimes.com/news/local/la-me-eunice-kennedy-shriver12-2009aug12,0,4627914.story
Shriver’s legacy in the area of advocacy for people with intellectual and developmental disabilities includes her creation of the National Institute on Child Health and Human Development and the President's Committee on Mental Retardation, both created during her brother John F. Kennedy’s presidency. The federal funds attached to these endeavors resulted in significant research and educational programming in the field.
President Obama released a statement saying Shriver was “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."
For a tribute to Eunice Kennedy Shriver, please visit: http://www.specialolympics.org/ or
http://www.eunicekennedyshriver.org/
"It is my deepest hope that the world can begin to look at our friends with special needs and, for once, tell them, 'Yes, you do belong; yes, you are wonderful; yes, you can be a shining light of hope for the world!"— Eunice Kennedy Shriver
SOURCES:
“Remembering Eunice Shriver: Life and Times, Special Olympics” http://www.washingtonpost.com/wp-dyn/content/discussion/2009/08/11/DI2009081101008.html
“Eunice Kennedy Shriver, Special Olympics founder and sister of JFK, dies at 88”
http://www.latimes.com/news/local/la-me-eunice-kennedy-shriver12-2009aug12,0,4627914.story
20 comments:
That is sad that the founder of the Special Olympics has passed away. Im sure that she knows that she accomplished many things throughout her life. Im also glad to see that President Obama also recognized her for her accomplishments.
It is a sad day for the world to have lost such an influential person, who spent a lifetime advocating for people with disabilities. I think we can all learn from her passion and dedication, and can reflect on her many accomplishments and give thanks. I agree with Miguel in that President Obama's recognition of her many accomplishments is very much appreciated.
Maggie Ybarra
REHS 6300
It is amazing to see people devote their lives and money to those in need of inspiration. There are a great deal of individuala who posess such funds and throw it all to waste with drugs and alchool. Because of her the world is a better place. I thank God for role models like herself. Although she may be gone, her legacy will always live on.
She will be missed especially because she cared and she was the founder of the special olympics. She also made others care and get involved. I am so glad that the president Obama gave her regconition for her great accomplishments.
This is really sad to hear about Eunice Shriver Kennedy passing away. I always remember seeing her growing up doing great things with the Special Olympics. I volunteered at one when I was Younger and they paid tribute to her for all she has done for them. Rebecca Griffith
"It is my deepest hope that the world can begin to look at our friends with special needs and, for once, tell them, 'Yes, you do belong; yes, you are wonderful; yes, you can be a shining light of hope for the world!"— Eunice Kennedy Shriver
That is a beautiful quote. It is so sad to have lost her and so soon. She was just 88. What a beautiful cause she pushed for and the special olympics has been going on since 1968. Thats great. Also, what president Obama said was great as well. There have been many people throughout history that push for the good of those who can not push for themselves.
Aissa S.
It is such a shame that we lost a remarkable woman like Eunice Kennedy Shriver. Here is an example of inspiration and determination. I think it is lovely that such a petite human being had such a large and profound impact universally. She and her husband were outstanding philanthropists, together created the Special Olympics, the Peace Corp and donated millions to worthy causes. In my lifetime, I could only wish to accomplish half as much as what she did in her lifetime.
Jeanette G.
Ms. Kennedy was as inspirational women to begin a non-profit organization that focused on the children with special needs. to be able to support the children in the special olympics.
Tina Casares
REHS 6300
it is sad that Mrs. Shriver passed away but im sure she will always be remembered for founding the special olympics. She is an inspiration and if there were more people with her attitude this world would be a better place, im sure that others who have seen her good spirit will follow have others follow in her footsteps
-Pete Castaneda III
REHS 6300
This is a truly sad day, we lost a great person that gave allot to this world and never asked for anything in return. Mrs. Shriver legacy and dream of creating a world that is equal to all human’s no matter ones disability will live on in each of us that well continue to serve as advocates for a world with equality rights and service for all humans.
Juan Leija
It is sad to hear that the founder of the Special Olympics passed away. I think that what she did for people with disabilities was awsome. It would have been pretty interesting to have meet such a great and inspiring woman.
Alina L. REHS 6300
To know that her life was lived to help those with disabilities enjoy their life is a great accomplishment. She was able to make a difference world wide. Thats something we can all look forward in accomplishing!!
Gabby S
Eunice Shriver was a woman who possessed a wonderful gift. She was able to look past disability and see the beauty of humanity. Though it is definitely sad that the world has lost such an amazing human being, the work that she accomplished will not end or be forgotten. She was an exemplary womand and role model. This make me reflect on the fact that we often praise socialites and celebrities for qualities and actions that are far from deserving. I am also proud of President Obama's words in recognition of her accomplishments.
M.Garza
It is a very inspiring to hear of a women who dedicated so much to the community of people with dissabilites. I hope that young individuals like ourselves can continue to make differences and move forward with similar asperations as this women did. It is a sad day, but also it is a day of admiration and recognition.
Eddie Reyes
I think it is very sad that I had not heard that this had happened until now. When Michael Jackson passed away there was no way to avoid that news. However, when a person that spends her life in the pursuit of opportunity for others there is no such memorial and or tribute. Now I am in no way saying open a stadium for her, but at least let there be a little more remembrance for a life long devotion to equality.
Eunice Shriver was a remarkable woman. She left an enduring legacy and added value and appreciation to the lives of many people whose lives had not been valued much. We will remember her and appreciate her contributions. I hope she is an inspiration to others on what one person can contribute to the wellbeing of others.
I also appreciate her husband, Sargent Shriver, the first director of the Peace Corps. I served in the Peace Corps from 1972-1975
David Whitten
Such a great loss…what an inspiration to us all… (I have to agree with Vanessa) For a person in such a position she did a very noble thing and for a community that, at the time, needed such a beacon.
In an interview, Eunice Kennedy talked about how she began a summer camp, in 1962, for children with disabilities in her home. She coached swimming and did morning calisthenics with the children. Her own children were young but they still participated in the camp. She taught them that disability was not a burden or cause but a joy and activity. Her participation in this summer camp and her sister Rosemary inspired her to start the Special Olympics.
I, like my classmates, am saddened with the news of her death. I am very inspired after watching videos; reading her biography; and spending some time on the official Special Olympics website. I do hope that the Special Olympics continues to carry out her dream!
B. Ramirez
REHS 6300
You know, I've read this before, but didn't have the opportunity to respond to it at that time. I wanted to first put in my words of sympathy, and if her family were to ever see these blogs, I hope they know how wonderful a woman she was and how compassionate her image was. I wasn't fortunate to know her personally, but from her quotes and her enthusiasm for advocacy for people with disabilities is admiring.
I remember reading about Ms. Kennedy's death in the Time magazine and other sources online. Her contributions are highly valued because she advocated for people with disabilities, especially through the creation of the Special Olympics. Like in many notable accomplishments in the field of disabilities, it is not until disabilities touch our life that we start advocating for them; and Ms. Kennedy's life was touched by having a sister (or family member with disabilities). I am glad she was part of an influential family and had access to opportunities to advocate that a regular person would not have access to. It is sometimes disappointing to know that the congress or the Senate will not listen to people "just because" but only because they have been affected by a particular issue. I think that happens some times, especially when talking about inequalities in American society.
Leila Flores
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