'Shriver Day' to honor Special Olympics founder

[September 25, 2010]  BOSTON (AP) -- Athletes and volunteers around the world will pay tribute Saturday to the late Eunice Kennedy Shriver, the presidential sister who founded the Special Olympics, by participating in events honoring her legacy as a champion of the mentally disabled.

The more than 100 events planned in locations from Florida to Ireland include various dedications, clinics and competitions, said her son, Timothy Shriver, who is also the Special Olympic Chairman and CEO.

Shriver died in August 2009 at age 88 after suffering a series of strokes.

Her son said following his mother's passing the family and organization were overwhelmed with messages of support and condolences. He said after much discussion, the organization decided to create a day to honor her work with the mentally disabled.

"There was some anxiety that, you know, maybe we'd lose our energy," said Shriver. "But that anxiety has been pretty roundly and heavily overcome."

That's because Shriver said athletes and volunteers have rallied around the planned day and have vowed to continue his mother's work.

The sister of President John F. Kennedy and the late Sen. Edward Kennedy was credited with transforming America's view of the mentally disabled from institutionalized patients to friends, neighbors and athletes. Her efforts were inspired by the struggles of her mentally disabled sister, Rosemary.

Among those who are taking part in the first planned Eunice Kennedy Shriver Day is figurer skater Michelle Kwan. The nine-time U.S. champion and winner of two Olympic medals is slated to conduct an ice skating clinic for Special Olympics athletes in Everett, Mass. at the Allied Veteran's Memorial Rink.

"I think it's important to continue the work," said Kwan, who is attending the Fletcher School, the graduate school for international affairs at Tufts University in Medford, Mass. "It's the connections that brings the community together and brings more awareness while using sports to break down barriers."

Kwan said she plans to remain active with future Special Olympic events.

Other events planned for Shriver Day include a soccer field dedication in Washington, D.C., the Middle East-North Africa regional games in Damascus, Syria, and an athletes fair in Mexico City.

[Associated Press; By RUSSELL CONTRERAS]

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