We are all saddened by the death of Eunice Kennedy Shriver, founder of the Special Olympics and champion for those individuals with disabilities. Inspired by her sister Rosemary's disability, Shriver held "Camp Shriver" in 1963. Her hands-on approach to the camp led her to realize that the children with disabilities were much more capable than many believed, and she organized the first Special Olympics in Chicago in 1968. Throughout her long and fruitful life, she earned many awards, including the nation's highest civilian award, the Presidential Medal of Freedom.
Carlene Leaper, Executive Director at The Arc of the Mid-South says Shriver was an important figure in the effort for equality.
"It's a sad day for not just the disability community, but for the world as well," says Leaper. "Mrs. Shriver's efforts helped paved the way for organizations like The Arc to do what we do, which is empowering individuals with disabilities to acheive their full potential in life. She was a pioneer in the field and she will be dearly missed."
While Shriver is gone, her legacy will last for generations to come.
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