Eunice Kennedy Shriver - The Human Spirit Initiative

We’ll Help Too
“The spirit of voluntarism is deeply ingrained in us as a nation ... In other words, the American
people understand that there are no substitutes for gifts of service given from the heart.”
Ronald Reagan
Special Olympics exists in our world
and thrives today because of Eunice
Kennedy Shriver‘s determined efforts
and unwavering commitment on behalf
of people with intellectual disabilities.
She knew that it was not a one-woman
job. It was not even a one-family job or a
one-country job. It took EKS’ optimism,
her refusal to accept “no” for an answer,
and her infectious enthusiasm to recruit
volunteers, including world-famous
professional athletes, celebrities, and
international corporations, to join in
making Special Olympics a success.
The meaningful work being done
by Special Olympics has captured the
imagination of people everywhere.
Celebrities help shed light on the dignity
of people with intellectual disabilities
and build support for Special Olympics
work around the world. Irish actor Colin
Farrell has helped Special Olympics
For more than 40 years, Eunice Kennedy Shriver attracted
the support of many athletes (such as Pele shown here),
entertainers, and celebrities who act as public ambassadors for
the Special Olympics movement.
0 Eunice Kennedy Shriver and Special Olympics
raise awareness, change attitudes and
impact policy. In 2007, Farrell joined
other celebrity spokespeople in Shanghai
– Arnold Schwarzenegger, Zhang Ziyi,
Nadia Comaneci, Vanessa Williams and
Michelle Kwan. NBA stars, Yao Ming
and Sam Perkins conducted basketball
clinics and coached athletes.
One important professional athlete
is part of the Shriver family. In 1986,
Eunice and Sargent Shriver’s daughter,
Maria, married bodybuilder and
movie star, Arnold Schwarzenegger.
He knew the benefits that come from
strengthening the human body, and
his knowledge and determination
inspired youngsters with intellectual
disabilities. He could frequently be seen
demonstrating the art of pumping iron
for some of his young admirers.
Professional athletes are a generous
and giving group, bringing their prestige
to support the program, and sharing their
expertise. Imagine the pride of a Special
Olympics swimmer when he finds
himself in the pool with Michael Phelps,
winner of 14 gold medals (the most by
any Olympian) and often cited as one
of the greatest swimmers of all times.
Phelps has supported Special Olympics
by conducting swimming clinics.