A Message to the Shriver family from the President of Iceland Olafur Ragnar Grimsson and First Lady Dorrit Moussaieff
It was with a heavy heart that we received the news that Eunice had passed away earlier today.
We offer all of you our condolences and hope that the memory of a unique woman -- wife, mother, grandmother, a true friend -- will make your sorrow a lighter burden. You can also seek strength in the knowledge that millions of people all over the world join in your mourning.
Eunice was a great global leader, a visionary who transformed our times, gave humankind a new perspective.
Her enthusiasm, energy and conviction made the Special Olympics into a world-wide movement, a landmark in our understanding of humanity:
She was indeed a great American, but people in every continent also felt that she was truly one of them.
She represented, more than anyone in recent times, what we respect most about America.
The World Games in Shanghai were the last time Dorrit and I enjoyed her company. We will always cherish the memory of sitting on the floor next to her in the gymnastics hall, sharing her comments about the athletes, how she saw promise and potential in everyone.
It was a blessing to be her friend; a privilege to join in her cause.
We can truly say: She made the world a better place.
Olafur Ragnar Grimsson
Dorrit Moussaieff