by Ross Voorhees

Created on: April 03, 2009   Last Updated: July 14, 2009

The Special Olympics had very humble beginnings, and was borne largely out of the desire of one notable woman to break the silence about a subject that was largely ignored or, at best, merely whispered about in the shadows: Could a family member with a mental handicap ever be capable of being anything beyond a burden and embarrassment to the family? This was the reality and the mindset of society in the late 1950s, when mentally disabled people were tucked away in nursing homes or asylums, often at the urging of the medical community, where they were doomed to live a life devoid of love, respect, education, and basic human dignity.

But, in 1958, something remarkable happened. At the urging of Eunice Shriver Kennedy, sister of President John Fitzgerald Kennedy, a press release was issued which detailed their sister Rose Marie, who suffered from a mental handicap. This unprecedented admission was not done to preempt any pending investigation nor to stave off any public speculation. It was an amazing first step to bring the plight of the handicapped out of the shadows and into the mainstream by one of the most widely loved families in the United States. Eunice felt that if the Kennedy's could admit this and have no shame about it, then it might give others the courage to do so as well. The dialogue would be open, the public could be more educated, and individuals like Rose Marie could have a better life. This was not the end of Eunice's efforts. It was merely the beginning.

Eunice adored her sister, taught her sister, and was unashamed to be seen in public with her. Eunice threw a birthday party for Rose, and invited families with mentally handicapped members to attend. They jumped on a trampoline, swam, and played games. Eunice noticed that the children enjoyed these activities, and that many even showed that they could be quite good at it. The next year, she organized a summer camp where all manner of sporting events were held. The summer camps became a yearly event, and every year, more and more special needs children and adults and their families participated. Eunice had found her life's calling, and she used every bit of her political clout to establish an enduring legacy for her beloved sister Rose Marie: The Special Olympics.

Today, the Special Olympics is a worldwide event, with representatives from virtually every country in the world. Athletes with many types of physical and mental handicaps are encouraged to excel through sports, and demonstrate their courage, determination, and commitment to excellence in track and field, baseball, softball, bowling, gymnastics, swimming, soccer, rowing, tennis, weightlifting, and virtually every other major sporting event.

And Eunice Kennedy continues to give her all. She gives lectures, visits schools, enlists the aid of world leaders, politicians, celebrities, and benefactors to ensure that the Special Olympics continues to survive and grow, and more importantly, to bring social acceptance and appreciation for the handicapped citizens of the world. She is as unstoppable now as she was on that day in 1958.

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