EKS Day Recognition
Governments, legislatures and organizations in the United States and around the world have issued proclamations, letters and messages recognizing this year's Eunice Kennedy Shriver Day.
Among the notable messages sent was one from U.S. President Barack Obama that commended Eunice Kennedy Shriver as "a champion for people with intellectual disabilities."
Many other leaders and organizations have offered words of appreciation as part of their official commemorations of Eunice Kennedy Shriver Day. Some of their comments are below.Links are provided as well to allow download of the original documents.
"Eunice Kennedy Shriver, founder of the Special Olympics movement and longtime supporter of Best Buddies, was the leading international advocate for the rights of people with intellectual disabilities....What started as an inclusive sports camp in her backyard in the early 1960s has blossomed into a worldwide movement transforming lives in over 170 countries."
Governor Edward G. Rendell
Pennsylvania
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"Eunice Kennedy Shriver and Sargent Shriver set a standard of public service that may well be unmatched in our lifetime. From their work together in founding and nurturing the Special Olympics, to Sargent Shriver starting the Peace Corps, Head Start, Job Corps, and the Community Action program, the Shrivers improved the lives of millions of disadvantaged citizens and children across the globe."
U.S. Secretary of Education Arne Duncan
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“Her love for all people, her belief in justice and her relentlessly energetic pursuit of a better life for people with intellectual disabilities serves as an example for all of us."
Governor Dave Freudenthal
State of Wyoming | Download text as DOC
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"Mrs. Shriver helped open minds to the talents of individuals with intellectual disabilities, and many years later, Special Olympics athletes continue to inspire us through all their display of true grit and unwavering enthusiasm."
Governor Rick Perry
State of Texas | Download text as PDF
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"Eunice Kennedy Shriver demonstrated an indomitable spirit that showed others that one person could make a difference and change the world."
Governor C.L. Otter
Idaho | Download text as PDF
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"Her lasting legacy must be our continued commitment to improve and transform the lives of the 200 million people worldwide with intellectual disabilities that still live with diminished opportunities and social disrespect, and are often neglected and hidden away."
Nelson Mandela Children's Foundation
South Africa | Download text as DOCX
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"Through her work to create Special Olympics, EKS offered untold numbers of Americans with intellectual disabilities the opportunity to participate in sports and social activities that helped transform their lives and ours."
"On that day, we should all dedicate ourselves to love, justice, faith, hope and courage--as she did--to the benefit of more than four million Special Olympics athletes, Best Buddies and millions more of their family members."
Rep. Joe Sestak
U.S. House of Representatives
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"Mrs. Shriver followed the belief that every citizens deserved respect and acceptance. She was a proponent of change and the preservation of each person's dignity, and a champion for all those with intellectual disabilities."
Senate Proclamation
Commonwealth of Pennsylvania | Download text as PDF
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"Eunice Kennedy Shriver, founder of the Special Olympics movement and longtime supporter of Best Buddies, was the leading international advocate for the rights of people with intellectual disabilities....What started as an inclusive sports camp in her backyard in the early 1960s has blossomed into a worldwide movement transforming lives in over 170 countries."
Governor Edward G. Rendell
Pennsylvania | Download text as PDF
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"Eunice Kennedy Shriver's actions helped open the minds of all people
to the gifts and talents individuals with intellectual disabilities. She
demonstrated an unrelenting indomitable spirit in action that one person
could make a difference."
Governor Bobby Jindal
Louisiana | Download text as PDF
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"For many years, Ms. Shriver offered her family's influence and wealth to create numerous opportunities for people with intellectual disabilities, including the creation of Special Olympics... Such selfless acts of love, charity and devotion must not be forgotten, but should be recognized both locally and nationally."
Mayor Ron Littlefield
City of Chattanooga, TN | Download text as PDF