Statement on the Health of Special Olympics Founder Eunice Kennedy Shriver

Special Olympics has issued a statement on the health of Eunice Kennedy Shriver who is hospitalized. Mrs. Shriver is the Founder and Honorary Chairman of the worldwide movement. Mrs. Shriver is in intensive care in critical but stable condition in a hospital in Cape Cod, Massachusetts, USA. Her entire family is with her, her husband, all her children and her grandchildren. The official statement, issued by Brady Lum, Special Olympics President & COO, states that the movement “is saddened to hear that our Founder, Eunice Kennedy Shriver, is hospitalized.  Our thoughts and prayers are with Mrs. Shriver and her family at this time.” The statement goes on to say that “every day, our Special Olympics family continues to work tirelessly around the world to bring her powerful vision to life to change the lives of people with intellectual disabilities, using sports as the catalyst for respect, acceptance and inclusion.”

Mary Davis, Managing Director, Special Olympics Europe/Eurasia, issued the following statement on behalf of the region:  “Eunice Kennedy Shriver has been a beacon of hope to children and adults with intellectual disabilities and their families for more than 40 years.  From across the region, we send Mrs. Shriver our very best wishes for a speedy recovery.”

A dedicated website in tribute to Mrs. Shriver can be found at www.eunicekennedyshriver.org.