Eunice Kennedy Shriver Day Facts

Act Now.  Eunice Kennedy Shriver Day is intended to inspire new fans to join the movement and to participate in acts of inclusion and acceptance for people with intellectual disabilities. Share your EKS event.

Eunice Kennedy Shriver Day (EKS Day)

WHAT IT IS:    
EUNICE KENNEDY SHRIVER DAY is an annual celebration of her life and a global call for people to commit actions of inclusion, acceptance and unity for and with people with intellectual disabilities.  Eunice Kennedy Shriver Day has been created to inspire new fans to experience her legacy and embrace the movement she founded in her backyard. What started as an inclusive sports camp in the early 1960s has blossomed into a worldwide movement transforming lives in over 170 countries.

WHEN IT WILL BE:    
On 25 September 2010, Special Olympics and Best Buddies will lead the world in a celebration of the inspiration, impact and indomitable spirit of Eunice Kennedy Shriver.  Eunice Kennedy Shriver Day will be an annual event held on the fourth Saturday of September.

WHO WILL DO IT:    
Program leadership will launch Eunice Kennedy Shriver Day in each of the seven Special Olympics regions around the world in an effort to celebrate and share her legacy while inspiring new fans to act. Please join the athletes of Special Olympics and buddies of Best Buddies, the real heroes of the movement that is unifying communities and expanding opportunities around the world.  Help them honor Eunice Kennedy Shriver on September 25th by becoming an agent of acceptance and action throughout the world.  Embrace the spirit of Eunice Kennedy Shriver Day, ACT.

WHY IT IS HAPPENING:     
Eunice Kennedy Shriver’s actions helped open people's minds to the gifts and talents of individuals with intellectual disabilities.  She believed in their possibilities, which fuels a desire in all of us to make a difference.  Eunice Kennedy Shriver demonstrated an unrelenting indomitable spirit proving that one person could make a difference and change the world.  Her lasting legacy must be our continued commitment to improve the lives of the 200 million people worldwide living with intellectual disabilities and experiencing social disrespect and diminished opportunities.

HOW YOU CAN DO IT:     
Today, our call to action begins with you.  We invite you to celebrate this extraordinary woman’s legacy by taking part in Eunice Kennedy Shriver Day’s demonstration of inclusion, acceptance and unity:

  •  Participate in a local Special Olympics or Best Buddies “PLAY ON” event on Eunice Kennedy Shriver Day  
  •  Use social, print, or video media to share the impact of Eunice Kennedy Shriver 
  •  Challenge your friends and family to join in doing and sharing EKS Acts of Unity, or 
  •  Create your own act that demonstrates your passion for continuing Eunice Kennedy Shriver’s invaluable legacy 
  •  Visit www.eunicekennedyshriver.org  to learn about the life and impact of Eunice Kennedy Shriver and inspire others to join in acts of inclusion and acceptance 

Share your Eunice Kennedy Shriver Day event by emailing your name, state/country and a description of your event to eksday@specialolympics.org.