[Congressional Record Volume 157, Number 74 (Thursday, May 26, 2011)]
[Senate]
[Page S3431]
From the Congressional Record Online through the Government Publishing Office [www.gpo.gov]

      By Mr. HARKIN (for himself and Mr. Blunt):
  S. 1086. A bill to reauthorize the Special Olympics Sport and 
Empowerment Act of 2004, to provide assistance to Best Buddies to 
support the expansion and development of mentoring programs, and for 
other purposes; to the Committee on Health, Education, Labor, and 
Pensions.
  Mr. HARKIN. Mr. President, I have come to the floor, today, to 
introduce the Eunice Kennedy Shriver Act. I am very pleased that 
Senator Blunt has joined me in introducing this legislation; he and I 
are both long-time supporters of the Special Olympics and Best Buddies 
programs authorized in this legislation. Equally importantly, we are 
continuing the bipartisan support that this legislation has 
historically enjoyed.
  The Special Olympics program is respected around the world as a model 
and leader in using sport to end the isolation and stigmatization of 
individuals with intellectual disabilities. For more than 40 years, 
Special Olympics has encouraged skill development, sharing, courage and 
confidence through year-round sports training and athletic competition 
for children and adults with intellectual disabilities. Through their 
programs, Special Olympics has helped to ensure that millions of 
individuals with intellectual disabilities are assured of equal 
opportunities for community participation, access to appropriate health 
care, and inclusive education, and to experience life in a 
nondiscriminatory manner. Special Olympics gives athletes with 
intellectual disabilities the tools they need to be included in 
society, and it gives society the understanding and tools it needs to 
include them.
  I can speak first-hand about what a rewarding experience it is for 
all of us who have been involved in Special Olympics. In 2006, my state 
of Iowa hosted the first USA National Summer Games. Thousands of 
athletes, volunteers, coaches, and families attended our Games, in 
addition to 30,000 fans and spectators. Ames, IA, was transformed into 
an Olympic Village, and it was thrilling to experience.
  Similarly, the Best Buddies program is dedicated to ending the social 
isolation of people with intellectual disabilities by promoting peer 
support and friendships with their peers without disabilities. The aim 
is to increase the self-esteem, confidence and abilities of people with 
and without intellectual disabilities. Equally important, the Best 
Buddies program has provided opportunities for integrated employment 
for individuals with intellectual disabilities.
  Research shows that participation in activities involving both people 
with intellectual disabilities and people without disabilities results 
in more positive support for inclusion in society, including in 
schools.
  This bill is named in honor of Eunice Kennedy Shriver, who devoted 
her life to improving the lives of people with intellectual 
disabilities around the world. Mrs. Shriver founded and fostered the 
development of Special Olympics and Best Buddies, both of which 
celebrate the possibilities of a world where all people, including 
those with disabilities, have meaningful opportunities for 
participation and inclusion.
  In addition to reauthorizing the former Special Olympics Sports and 
Empowerment Act and providing an authorization for the Best Buddies 
program, this bill will also allow the Department of Education to award 
competitive grants to support increased opportunities for inclusive 
participation by individuals with intellectual disabilities in sports 
and recreation programs.
  I am pleased to be the chief sponsor of this legislation, which will 
continue our support for these important programs that promote the 
extraordinary gifts and contributions of people with intellectual 
disabilities as well as broader community inclusion.
  I urge all my colleagues to join with me and Senator Blunt in 
supporting this very worthy bill.
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