    [Public Papers of the Presidents of the United States: George W. Bush (2006, Book II)]
    [July 10, 2006]
    [Page 1361]
    [From the U.S. Government Publishing Office www.gpo.gov]

    Remarks at a Dinner Honoring the Special Olympics
    July 10, 2006

        Ladies and gentlemen, thank you for coming--Mrs. Shriver and Special Olympics athletes, friends and
    family. Mr. President--the President of Iceland has joined us--proud you're here, President Grimsson.
    And First Lady of Panama, First
    Lady Torrijos, is with us as well. We've got Members of the Congress and
    Members of the Senate. Laura and I are glad you
    all are here. Welcome to this special occasion.
        We're here to celebrate the Special Olympics and to honor a woman
    who made them possible, Eunice Kennedy Shriver. And we're here to celebrate her birthday. [Laughter]
        In a moment, we'll hear from this woman who has made it her life's work to create
    opportunities for people with intellectual disabilities. She founded the
    Special Olympics in 1968 to get people with intellectual disabilities
    the chance to develop physical fitness, to create friendships, and
    experience the joy of sports competition and achievement. Today, the
    Special Olympics includes more than 2.25 million athletes in 150
    countries. The games have become a source of unity and excitement for
    its participants. They've helped raise awareness of the challenges
    facing those with intellectual disabilities.
        America upholds the values of every person and the possibilities of
    every life. And the Special Olympics are an example of America at its
    best. We share with the entire world the spirit of joy and kindness that
    the Special Olympics brings.
        If you ever had any doubt about how much good one person can do,
    look no further than this kind and gracious lady. On this special occasion, I ask you to join me in a
    toast to the Special Olympics and to Eunice Kennedy Shriver and to her
    contributions to our Nation, past, present, and future. God bless.

    Note: The President spoke at 7:40 p.m. in the East Room at the White
    House. In his remarks, he referred to Eunice Kennedy Shriver, founder
    and honorary chairman, Special Olympics; President Olafur Grimsson of
    Iceland; and Vivian Fernandez de Torrijos, wife of President Martin
    Torrijos Espino of Panama.