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Eunice Kennedy Shriver places medal around athletes neck. Eunice Presents Medal at 1968 Games
Eunice Kennedy Shriver Learning Center

Lesson 1: A Message of Hope, A Message of Victory

Eunice Kennedy Shriver gave the Charge to the Athletes at the Opening Ceremonies of the International Summer Special Olympics Games in South Bend, Indiana on August, 2, 1987.

Lesson 2: Special Olympics: An Empowering Timeline

Many people have things they care about. These passions lead to setting goals. When someone feels motivated to take control and reach a goal they are empowered.

Lesson 3: Eunice Kennedy Shriver and Core values, Upper Level

Learn about Eunice Kennedy Shriver’s core values and how it shaped the Special Olympics mission.

Lesson 4: Eunice Kennedy Shriver and Core values, Lower Level

Learn about Eunice Kennedy Shriver’s core values and how it shaped the Special Olympics mission.

Lesson 5: You Belong in the Game

In the 1950’s and 1960’s people with ID were not included. Their strengths were ignored. They were excluded from sports and left out of camps. People thought they did not belong because they learned, looked, and moved differently. Learn how the inclusion revolution has taken shape over the last few decades.

Lesson 6: Becoming a Changemaker like Eunice Kennedy Shriver

Learn how certain social skills can help you become a change maker like Eunice Kennedy Shriver. Read through the questions and think about each question or talk about them in a group.

Additional Resources

Eunice Kennedy Shriver

Eunice Kennedy Shriver, founder of Special Olympics, was a pioneer in the worldwide struggle for rights and acceptance for people with intellectual disabilities.

Eunice Kennedy Shriver's Story

Eunice Kennedy Shriver, founder of Special Olympics, was a pioneer in the worldwide struggle for rights and acceptance for people with intellectual disabilities.
4 Min Read

Eunice Kennedy Shriver

Stories about Eunice, her life, and Special Olympics.

History

From a backyard summer camp for people with intellectual disabilities to a global sports movement, Special Olympics has been changing lives and attitudes since 1968.