Eunice Kennedy Shriver, sister to President John F. Kennedy and Senator Edward Kennedy, died Tuesday at the age of 88.
Shriver, part of one of the most famous American families, made her mark by founding the Special Olympics, a sports competition for people with disabilities. Her sister, Rosemary, who was mentally retarded, inspired Shriver to work on behalf of people with disabilities
Shriver was an advocate for the disabled for most of her life, even fighting to influence federal legislation about health care for the disabled. After a report about Shriver’s life, an advocate for disabled people discusses her legacy.
Quotes
“Most of all, I see from Mrs. Shriver that I have rights and we have a right to live and enjoy life to our fullest.” – Loretta Claiborne, Special Olympics global messenger
“Sport was the center, but the Special Olympics describes themselves as a movement. And I think there are a lot of parallels between the Special Olympics movement and the broader disability rights movement.” – Andrew Imparato, American Association of People with Disabilities
Warm Up Questions
1. Who are the Kennedys?
2. What is the Special Olympics?
Discussion Questions
1. What did you learn about Eunice Shriver Kennedy that surprised you?
2. Why are the Special Olympics important?
3. How did Shriver use her family influence to do good things?
Additional Resources