Eunice Kennedy Shriver, 88; Special Olympics founder
August 11th, 2009
From the Boston Globe (with video) and elsewhere:
“If I (had) never met Rosemary, never known anything about handicapped children, how would I have ever found out? Because nobody accepted them anyplace,” she told National Public Radio in 2007.
International champion for people with developmental disabilities and Special Olympics founder Eunice Kennedy Shriver, 88, died this morning at a hospital in Hyannis, Mass. Shriver was the fifth of nine children in the Kennedy clan which included President John F. Kennedy and Sens. Robert F. Kennedy and Edward M. Kennedy.
Mrs. Shriver was credited with changing the public’s perception of people with intellectual disabilities by publicly acknowledging her sister with developmental disabilities, Rosemary, and founding the Special Olympics in 1968.
Her family said in a statement, “Her work transformed the lives of hundreds of millions of people across the globe and they in turn are her living legacy.”
‘‘My sister, Rosemary, is retarded,’’ she wrote in Parade magazine in February 1964. ‘‘But I cannot help her with pity — or serve with sorrow the 5 1/2 million others like her. Only by facing the facts and resolving to meet the challenge head-on can something be done. Only if we broaden our understanding can we help the mentally retarded to escape into the sunlight of useful living.’’
In a statement, President Obama described Mrs. Shriver 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.”
See also:
Remembering Eunice Kennedy Shriver — The Atlantic
Eunice Kennedy Shriver, Founder of Special Olympics, Dies at 88 — New York Times
Eunice Kennedy Shriver, Founder of Special Olympics, Dies at 88 — Washington Post
Eunice Kennedy Shriver Dies At Age 88 — By Joseph Shapiro on National Public Radio
Eunice Kennedy Shriver Dies at 88 — Wall Street Journal
Eunice Kennedy Shriver dies — CNN
JFK’s sister Eunice Kennedy Shriver dead at 88 — MSNBC
Eunice Kennedy Shriver dies at 88 — USA Today
Statement from Special Olympics on death of Eunice Kennedy Shriver — Boston Globe
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on Tuesday, August 11th, 2009 at 9:28 am and is filed under NOT2BEMISSED, Special Olympics, celebrities, exercise/sports, intellectual/developmental disabilities, obits.
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August 11th, 2009 at 5:31 pm
I learned so much about my son’s character and personality during his practices and events in Special Olympics, and his participation added to the pride and joy he brought to our family and community throughout the years. I have seen how Special Olympics transforms communities and the perspectives of ‘mainstream’ people who might never have had direct relationships with individuals like my son who have so much to offer. I doubt we will every understand the full impact Eunice Kennedy Shriver’s creative advocacy made in the lives of children and adults with developmental disabilities and their families in every corner of the world. Inspired by her sister Rosemary, her voice and attitude changed the lives of everyone affected by intellectual and physical challenges. My sympathies along with my deepest gratitude go out to her family.
August 11th, 2009 at 10:23 am
This brave woman changed the world to make it a more welcoming place for my daughter when she was born four years ago. My deepest gratitude to her, and deepest condolences to the Kennedy and Shriver families.
August 11th, 2009 at 9:49 am
I can’t think of anyone who has done more to help all with disabilities, including my child, than Eunice Shriver. She was a pillar of strength and devotion when it came to doing something (not just talking about doing something) for those with intellectual disabilities. She changed minds and hearts. She made the world a better place. She will be sorely missed, but she will be remembered for her wonderful deeds. I know where she is now and I know she was welcomed with cheers and celebration.