Eunice Kennedy Shriver

Date of Birth: July 10, 1921

Zodiac Sign: Cancer

Date of Death: August 11, 2009

Biography

Eunice Kennedy Shriver was an American philanthropist and a prominent advocate for people with intellectual disabilities. Born into the influential Kennedy family, she was the fifth of nine children of Joseph P. Kennedy Sr. and Rose Fitzgerald Kennedy. Eunice grew up in a highly competitive and public-spirited environment, which significantly influenced her life’s work. She is best known for founding the Special Olympics in 1968, inspired by her sister Rosemary, who had an intellectual disability. Her dedication to improving the lives of people with disabilities was driven by her belief in the potential of every individual and the importance of inclusion. Shriver’s efforts culminated in the establishment of the Special Olympics, which became a global movement providing year-round training and competitions for millions of athletes with intellectual disabilities. Eunice received numerous awards and honors throughout her life, including the Presidential Medal of Freedom, the highest civilian award in the United States, in 1984. She remained actively involved with the Special Olympics until her death in 2009. Her legacy continues to inspire advocates for disability rights worldwide.

5 Interesting Facts about Eunice Kennedy Shriver

1. Eunice Kennedy Shriver was the sister of U.S. President John F. Kennedy and Senators Robert F. Kennedy and Ted Kennedy.

2. She started a summer camp for children with intellectual disabilities in her backyard in 1962, which eventually led to the creation of the Special Olympics.

3. In 1995, she was awarded the Arthur Ashe Courage Award at the ESPY Awards for her efforts in founding the Special Olympics.

4. Shriver was also a strong advocate for health and education, serving as the Executive Vice President of the Joseph P. Kennedy Jr. Foundation, which funded research and programs for mental retardation.

5. She was the first woman to be formally recognized on a U.S. coin during her lifetime, appearing on the 1995 Special Olympics World Games commemorative silver dollar.

5 Most Interesting Quotes from Eunice Kennedy Shriver

1. “The right to play on any playing field? You have earned it. The right to study in any school? You have earned it. The right to hold a job? You have earned it. The right to be anyone’s neighbor? You have earned it.”

2. “As we hope for the best in them, hope is reborn in us.”

3. “When you see the faces of the athletes, you realize how much they have to offer and how much they have to teach us.”

4. “It’s up to all of us to see that everyone has the opportunity to contribute their talents and skills.”

5. “With enormous hope, we began the Special Olympics. With enormous hope, we continue.”

Highest Net Worth Achieved

Eunice Kennedy Shriver was a member of the wealthy Kennedy family, but her personal net worth is not well-documented. However, it is estimated that her family’s collective net worth reached over $1 billion at various points.

Children

Eunice Kennedy Shriver married Robert Sargent Shriver Jr. in 1953. They had five children: 1. Robert Sargent “Bobby” Shriver III 2. Maria Owings Shriver 3. Timothy Perry Shriver 4. Mark Kennedy Shriver 5. Anthony Paul Kennedy Shriver