For Immediate Release
SON OF EUNICE KENNEDY SHRIVER ATTENDS MEMORIAL MASS IN HER HONOUR
Timothy Shriver, Chairman of Special Olympics thanks Ireland for Condolences
Dr Timothy Shriver, Chairman and CEO of Special Olympics attended a memorial mass in Dublin today to celebrate the life and legacy of his mother, Eunice Kennedy Shriver, founder of Special Olympics who passed away last August. She was a leader in the worldwide movement to improve and enhance the lives of individuals with intellectual disabilities for more than six decades.
The Special Olympics Ireland community led by Special Olympics Ireland CEO Matt English, turned out to pay their respects to Eunice Kennedy Shriver, a frequent visitor to games and competitions in Ireland. Music was provided by Liam O’Maonlai and Glen Hansard, who also performed at Eunice Kennedy Shriver’s funeral mass in Hyannis Port. Prayers of the faithful and offertories were given from Special Olympics Ireland athletes, volunteers and coaches.
Speaking at the mass, Timothy Shriver, Chairman and CEO of Special Olympics said: “I’m tremendously grateful for the overwhelming outpouring of support and prayers from the people of Ireland since my mother’s death. Ireland always had a special place in her heart. My mother passed away in peace because, though she knew the race for equality was not finished, the army of supporters she had hoped for long ago had become a reality here in Ireland and around the world and that they would carry and someday complete her vision”.
Mary Davis, Managing Director of Special Olympics Europe/Eurasia reflected on the legacy Eunice Kennedy Shriver has left in Ireland for people with intellectual disabilities. “Eunice Kennedy Shriver dedicated her life to her vision of a world where every person, regardless of their ability or disability, is accepted, welcomed and valued. During the 2003 World Summer Games in Ireland we got to see this world in its full beautiful force. We all hope that we will continue to see this vision grow and flourish in good times and in challenging times”.
With more than 11,000 athletes participating in 12 sports through 402 clubs, supported by 18,000 volunteers, Special Olympics Ireland is now one of Ireland’s largest community and voluntary organisations reaching 27% of people with intellectual disabilities all over the country. There are more than 34,000 people with an intellectual disability on the island of Ireland.
The younger sister of President John Fitzgerald Kennedy, Eunice Kennedy Shriver was the founder and honorary chairperson of Special Olympics, and executive vice president of the Joseph P. Kennedy, Jr. Foundation. Born in Brookline, Massachusetts on July 10th, 1921, she was the fifth of nine children of Joseph P. and Rose Fitzgerald Kennedy. She received a Bachelor of Arts degree from Stanford University along with numerous other honours and awards. In 2006, Pope Benedict XVI bestowed upon her the title of Dame of the papal Order of St. Gregory the Great. Eunice Kennedy Shriver died at the age of 88 on August 12, 2009.
For more information on the life of Eunice Kennedy Shriver visit www.eunicekennedyshriver.org
ENDS
Contact:
Annemarie Butler
Communications/Media Relations Manager
Special Olympics Ireland
T:01 883 2972
E: Annemarie.butler@specialolympics.ie
Maureen Rabbitt
Communications Director, SOEE
T: 01 6755715 / 087 786 6001
E: mrabbitt@specialolympics.org