Historical Figure
Eunice Kennedy Shriver
1921–2009
American philanthropist (1921–2009)
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Biography
Eunice Mary Kennedy Shriver was an American philanthropist. Shriver was a member of the Kennedy family by birth, and a member of the Shriver family through her marriage to Sargent Shriver, who was the United States ambassador to France and the final Democratic nominee for Vice President of the United States in 1972. She was a sister of U.S. president John F. Kennedy, U.S. senators Robert F. Kennedy and Edward Kennedy, and U.S. Ambassador to Ireland Jean Kennedy Smith.
Timeline
The story of Eunice Kennedy Shriver, told in moments.
Started a summer day camp at her home in Maryland for children and adults with intellectual disabilities. Used the family's pool, the backyard, the whole property. This was the seed.
Organized the first International Special Olympics Summer Games at Soldier Field in Chicago. 1,000 athletes from 26 states and Canada competed. She lit the torch herself.
Received the Presidential Medal of Freedom from Ronald Reagan for her work on behalf of people with disabilities. The Special Olympics had grown to include athletes from over 50 countries.
Died at Cape Cod Hospital at 88. The Special Olympics she created now operates in 170 countries with over 5 million athletes. Her sister Rosemary, whose struggles inspired it all, had died in 2005.
In Their Own Words (2)
You are the stars and the world is watching you. By your presence you send a message to every village, every city, every nation. A message of hope. A message of victory. The right to play on any playing field? You have earned it. The right to study in any school? You have earned it. The right to hold a job? You have earned it. The right to anyone's neighbor? You have earned it.
Special Olympics World Games, South Bend, Indiana (1987)., 1987
In ancient Rome, the gladiators went into the arena with these words on their lips: let me win, but if I cannot win, let me be brave in the attempt. Today, all of you young athletes are in the arena. Many of you will win. But even more important, I know you will be brave and bring credit to your parents and to your country. Let us begin the Olympics, thank you.
Speech at the first Special Olympics, Soldier Field, Chicago, Illinois (20 July 1968), 1968
Artifacts (10)
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