    [Public Papers of the Presidents of the United States: George W. Bush (2001, Book II)]
    [December 13, 2001]
    [Pages 1513-1514]
    [From the U.S. Government Publishing Office www.gpo.gov]

    Remarks at a Holiday Reception for the Special Olympics
    December 13, 2001

        The President. Good evening. Good evening, everyone. Laura and I are
    so pleased to welcome you to the White House as we pay tribute to a
    great organization and the really good people behind it.
        In a moment, we will hear from Eunice Kennedy Shriver, who has made the Special Olympics her life's
    work. If you ever had any doubt about how much good that one person can
    bring into the world, look no farther than this kind and gracious lady.
    And she married pretty well, too. [Laughter] Sure glad you're here,
    Sargent. And they've done a good job of raising their family. We are so
    pleased to welcome the--I hate to say the word ``children''--the
    offspring of Sargent and Eunice Shriver.
    Obviously, you've done a good job of instilling the sense of public
    service in your children, and they're compassionate people. I
    particularly want to thank Tim for being
    the president of Special Olympics.
        With us as well is Eunice's little brother--well, younger brother--[laughter]--a man I have grown to admire
    as a fine United States Senator. And Orrin Hatch, another fine Senator,
    is here, as well. Thank you both for coming.
        I appreciate my Commerce Secretary, Donny Evans, for being here, and I want to thank the Surgeon General,
    David Satcher, for coming, as well.

    [[Page 1514]]

        I also want to welcome the cochairs of the campaign for the Special
    Olympics, Steve Case and Peter Lynch, and all of those who support this fine organization.
    Thank you for coming tonight.
        And the highest title of all is held by the King of the Blues, B.B.
    King. Thank you for coming.
        We gather here to celebrate achievement of the Special Olympics,
    itself, and those who compete. Before we lived here, Laura and I were
    fortunate to be involved with the Special Olympics in Texas. And I'll
    never forget being a hugger at Texas Memorial Stadium--such a wonderful
    experience. We're so grateful for the Special Olympics.
        And so is America, because America at its best upholds the values of
    every person and the possibilities of every life. And Special Olympics
    is an example of America at its best, sharing with the entire world a
    spirit of joy and kindness. The story of our country is an ever-widening
    circle, a society in which everyone has a place and everyone has
    something to give. You brought that spirit into the lives of more than a
    million children and adults across the world, and I thank you for that.
        Most of all, I congratulate the global messengers and athletes with
    us this evening: Cindy Bentley, Henry
    Moretti, Mohammad
    Nassar, Jia Sirui,
    Victor Stewart, Katy Wilson, Loretta Claiborne, and
    Ricardo Thornton. Each one of you has been
    recognized for giving your best, for sharing your many gifts with
    others, and for living out the Special Olympics oath: ``Let me win. But
    if I cannot win, let me be brave in the attempt.'' Each one of you has
    set high goals, and you have met them through hard work and courage.
        We are all so proud to have you with us tonight and ask all of our
    guests to join me in toasting the brave and generous spirit of the
    Special Olympics.

     [At this point, the President offered a toast.]

        The President. And now it is my honor to welcome Mrs. Eunice
    Shriver.

    Note: The President spoke at 7:47 p.m. on the State Floor at the White
    House. In his remarks, he referred to Eunice Kennedy Shriver, founder
    and honorary chairman, Sargent Shriver, chairman of the board, and their
    son Timothy P. Shriver, president and chief executive officer, Special
    Olympics; and Senator Edward M. Kennedy.