County Council recognize Eunice Kennedy Shriver and Special Olympics

September 20, 2010

Summary

Council joins celebration for co-founder of International event

Story

Eunice Kennedy Shriver helped create Special Olympics, an event that recognizes the abilities of those with intellectual and developmental disabilities and their contributions to our society. As Washington Special Olympics celebrates its 35th Anniversary, the Metropolitan King County Council today joined the international celebration of Shriver’s life by declaring September 25, 2010 as Eunice Kennedy Shriver Day in King County.

“Individuals with special needs are productive and valued members of our community and communities worldwide,” said Council Chair Bob Ferguson, who read the recognition. “Eunice Kennedy Shriver’s efforts live on today through the work of Washington Special Olympics.”

“Without the dedication and compassion of Eunice Kennedy Shriver, the Special Olympics would not exist as it is today,” said Councilmember Julia Patterson. “I’m proud to support this proclamation, which honors an individual who has helped raise awareness about persons with intellectual disabilities, welcomed them with respect and provided every opportunity for them to become productive citizens.”

“Mrs. Shriver’s vision, compassion, and activism on behalf of the disabled are an inspiration,” said Council Vice Chair Jane Hague. “I’d also like to commend the thousands of Special Olympics athletes for their courage and hard work.”

Special Olympics grew out of Shriver’s work in helping people with intellectual and developmental disabilities. Starting on her Maryland farm, “Camp Shriver” brought together young people with disabilities and volunteers for an assortment of activities. With funding from the Joseph P. Kennedy Jr. Foundation, Camp Shriver became the model for Special Olympics.

“Eunice took intellectual disabilities mainstream. She fought for equal rights and she brought joy to so many of our special friends. Today, her legacy lives on and we look forward to sharing the gift of Special Olympics for many years to come,” said Beth Wojick, CEO, Washington State Special Olympics.

First held in 1968, Special Olympics has grown into a movement that is based in 200 countries and includes three-million athletes worldwide. Since its creation in 1975, Special Olympics Washington has worked with over 120,000 participants, 16,000 of which have been children. Split into four regions, the goal of Special Olympics Washington is to ensure that all persons with intellectual and developmental disabilities can participate fully in society and gain acceptance, respect, and the opportunity to
become useful and productive citizens. Special Olympics Washington’s King County Region has 3,000 registered athletes and about 1,000 volunteers who participate in regional tournaments in Olympic-style sports and other educational programs.

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PROCLAMATION

WHEREAS, in 1968, Eunice Kennedy Shriver and the Joseph P. Kennedy Foundation founded Special Olympics, an organization devoted to raising awareness of the positive impact individuals with intellectual and developmental disabilities have in our communities; and

WHEREAS, the Special Olympics movement has grown to include over three million athletes worldwide, and Special Olympics Washington, which was incorporated in 1975, officially brought Special Olympics to the Evergreen State; and

WHEREAS, Special Olympics Washington works with over 120,000 individuals, including 16,000 children, to ensure that all persons with intellectual disabilities can participate fully in society and gain acceptance, respect, and the opportunity to become useful and productive citizens; and

WHEREAS, Special Olympics Washington is organized into four regions: Southwest, Northwest, East, and King County, and provides year-round athletic training and competition for adults and children; and

WHEREAS, Special Olympics Washington’s King County Region has 3,000 registered athletes and about 1,000 volunteers who participate in regional tournaments in Olympic-style sports and educational programs; and

WHEREAS, Eunice Kennedy Shriver’s unrelenting, indomitable spirit demonstrated that one person could make a difference and change the world; and

WHEREAS, Special Olympics International will celebrate the inspiration, impact, and character of Eunice Kennedy Shriver on September 25th;

NOW, THEREFORE, we, the Metropolitan King County Council, join Special Olympics Washington in proclaiming September 25, 2010, as

EUNICE KENNEDY SHRIVER DAY

in King County, in recognition of her legacy that has had a positive impact worldwide, including in our county.

DATED this twentieth day of September, 2010.

Councilmembers are joined by Special Olympics Washington CEO Beth Wojick and Bill Southern, the programs Director of Outreach and Public Affairs in recognizing the life and legacy of Eunice Kennedy Shriver, the co-founder of Special Olympics