Be a Fan of Determination

Eunice Kennedy Shriver has never taken no for answer. Through her tireless efforts, she has brought to millions of lives what all people deserve: a chance to experience self-worth, to connect with their fellow man and to live without walls. 

Special Olympics athlete Loretta Claiborne with Eunice Kennedy Shriver. See video.

A Disturbing Discovery
When in Soweto, South Africa, visiting an institution in 2001, Eunice Kennedy Shriver was shocked to find that the children there were confined to their beds and rooms at all times. The staff at the institution had never allowed them the opportunity to go outdoors.

She insisted that the children be taken outside immediately. They said her request was impossible. She persisted, and the staff relented. For the first time ever, the children ventured outside the walls of their institution and played with a soccer ball. Not long after, a local Special Olympics Program was born, with support of students from the nearby Takalani school. Today, that Program continues to thrive, with soccer games happening on an almost daily basis.

Soweto is only one example of the determination that has guided Mrs. Shriver throughout her life. Without this determination, Special Olympics would not exist.

Inspired by a Sister
Mrs. Shriver’s journey to create Special Olympics began at home, with her sister, Rosemary, who was born with an intellectual disability. Their close relationship inspired her to work on behalf of people like Rosemary, who were stigmatized and denied opportunity, regardless of their ability to participate. In 1957, Mrs. Shriver took over the direction of the Joseph P. Kennedy, Jr. Foundation and focused it on research and improving society’s treatment of citizens with intellectual disabilities.

Since then, she has been a relentless force – knocking on every door to raise funds, advance research and include people who had been excluded from society. In the early 1960s, she brought the fight home by starting a day camp for children with intellectual disabilities, Camp Shriver, at her house in Maryland. Campers thrived and impressed the volunteers with their athletic skill, dedication and positive attitudes. Mrs. Shriver realized then that sports training had the potential to transform lives and attitudes forever. With the success of Camp Shriver, Special Olympics was born.

The Vision of a Harmonious World
When Mrs. Shriver founded Special Olympics in 1968, she envisioned a program of athletic competition that sidelined prejudice and substituted opportunity and understanding. She envisioned a more harmonious world – one where dignity and acceptance for all people would one day be the norm.

In the 40 years since, Mrs. Shriver has been a tireless advocate and a recognized leader in her field, doing perhaps more than any other person to improve and enhance the lives of individuals with intellectual disabilities. 

Growth to a Worldwide Force
As the Founder and Honorary Chairperson, she has overseen the growth of the Special Olympics organization from an American innovation to a global movement that advances human dignity and freedom. She has brought Special Olympics to every corner of the globe by knocking on the doors of every world leader who would listen, and many who at first would not. 

Thanks to her efforts, Special Olympics over the years has gained the wholehearted support of presidents, prime ministers, spiritual leaders and public figures around the world, including former President of South Africa Nelson Mandela, former Israeli Prime Minister Shimon Peres, Presidents of China Jiang Zemin and Hu Jintao, former First Lady of Panama Vivian Fernández de Torrijos, former Mexico President Vicente Fox, Prime Minister of Japan Junichiro Koizumi, Ireland President Mary McAleese, Pope John Paul II, and every U.S. President since John F. Kennedy, to name a few.

Hope, Empowerment and Opportunity
Today, every volunteer, staff member and athlete embraces Mrs. Shriver’s original vision and takes strength from her example: one person taking action to transform the world. Thanks to her, Special Olympics empowers individuals, gives hope to their families, builds cohesive communities and galvanizes the support and action of legislators, government agencies, medical professionals and leaders from the public and private sectors – all in the name of bringing care, opportunity and acceptance to the millions of people with intellectual disabilities. And in doing so, building a better world.

In this 40th year, Special Olympics is in more than 180 countries and has touched millions of athletes over the years. Thanks to the determination and vision of one woman, we are creating new hope and opportunity for millions of people worldwide. Join us. Help make Eunice Kennedy Shriver’s vision a reality.  Give now, because even the smallest gift can put a soccer ball in the hands of person with an intellectual disability and transform a life. 

 
 
  What YOU Can Do 
   
 
  • Get in touch with Special Olympics near you to see what you can do to help.
 
 
  • Make a short video about the talents and skills of people with intellectual disabilites and share it in the Campaign For Disability Employment video contest.
 
   
  
  
  
  
 
  •  If you're a college student, check out SO College to get active at your school.
 
 
  • Get in the game by joining Special Olympics Unified Sports®, where people with and without intellectual disabilities train and compete together on the same team.