[Congressional Record Volume 154, Number 118 (Thursday, July 17, 2008)]
[Extensions of Remarks]
[Page E1506]
From the Congressional Record Online through the Government Publishing Office [www.gpo.gov]




        RECOGNIZING THE 40TH ANNIVERSARY OF THE SPECIAL OLYMPICS

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                        HON. PATRICK J. KENNEDY

                            of rhode island

                    in the house of representatives

                        Thursday, July 17, 2008

  Mr. KENNEDY. Madam Speaker, I rise today to recognize the 40th 
Anniversary of the Special Olympics.
  When the Special Olympics was founded in 1968, individuals with 
developmental disabilities were all too often separated from their 
families and segregated from their communities.
  My aunt, Eunice Kennedy Shriver, was able to see the potential of 
individuals with intellectual disabilities through her sister, and my 
aunt, Rosemary.
  She was confident in her, and other disabled individuals', ability to 
participate in a meaningful way in their communities.
  By using sport as a vehicle and stage for demonstrating the dignity 
and capability of people with intellectual disabilities, Mrs. Shriver 
recognized the impact not only on the athletes themselves, but on the 
Nation.
  Today, the Special Olympics serves more than 2.5 million athletes in 
180 countries around the world.
  Yet, the benefit of the Special Olympics to athletes, families, 
volunteers, and coaches cannot be adequately measured by statistics and 
numbers.
  It can be best represented by the recognition of the potential of 
individuals with intellectual disabilities by our society.
  Congratulations to the Special Olympics on almost 40 years of 
extraordinary service.

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