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SPORTS ILLUSTRATED HONORS EUNICE KENNEDY SHRIVER WITH THE FIRST SPORTSMAN OF THE YEAR LEGACY AWARD
From my friends at Special Olympics:
Washington DC, 3 Dec 2008 – Last night, Sports Illustrated honored Special Olympics founder Eunice Kennedy Shriver with the first Sportsman of the Year Legacy Award at the 2008 Sportsman of the Year celebration in New York City. Bobby Shriver, Mrs. Shriver’s son, attended the celebration and accepted the award on her behalf.
The Sportsman of the Year Legacy Award was created to recognize those who have, over the course of their lifetime, demonstrated the ideals of sportsmanship.
Mrs. Shriver was recognized for having transformed a population. In 1968, she marched alongside 1,000 athletes from 26 states in the first Special Olympics Opening Ceremonies in Chicago, Illinois. On that day Mrs. Shriver recited the impactful words that remains the Special Olympics oath: “Let me win. But if I cannot win, let me be brave in the attempt.” Today more than 2.8 million athletes participate in the Special Olympics in 180 countries worldwide.
In addition to recognizing Mrs. Shriver’s lifetime of selfless contributions, this week’s issue of Sports Illustrated includes a special feature on Special Olympics. Sports Illustrated senior writer Jack McCallum takes a look back at the 40-year-history of the Special Olympics and the first Special Olympics Games in 1968. The Sports Illustrated issue featuring Special Olympics, with Olympic Swimmer Michael Phelps, on the cover is available on newsstands today. ###
The Sportsman of the Year Legacy Award was created to recognize those who have, over the course of their lifetime, demonstrated the ideals of sportsmanship.
Mrs. Shriver was recognized for having transformed a population. In 1968, she marched alongside 1,000 athletes from 26 states in the first Special Olympics Opening Ceremonies in Chicago, Illinois. On that day Mrs. Shriver recited the impactful words that remains the Special Olympics oath: “Let me win. But if I cannot win, let me be brave in the attempt.” Today more than 2.8 million athletes participate in the Special Olympics in 180 countries worldwide.
In addition to recognizing Mrs. Shriver’s lifetime of selfless contributions, this week’s issue of Sports Illustrated includes a special feature on Special Olympics. Sports Illustrated senior writer Jack McCallum takes a look back at the 40-year-history of the Special Olympics and the first Special Olympics Games in 1968. The Sports Illustrated issue featuring Special Olympics, with Olympic Swimmer Michael Phelps, on the cover is available on newsstands today. ###
I’ve just one thing to add, it’s about time this amazing woman and terrrific organization were recognized in this major athletic publication! Bravo, Sports Illustrated!!-and congratulations to Eunice Kennedy Shriver and everyone associated with Special Olympics.
Here’s the link for this terrific, ground-breaking SI feature, along with several other success-story sidebars. Well done, Mr. McCallum/Sports Illustrated.
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You can read my interview with Tim Shriver, chairman of the board of Special Olympics, in my book, which makes a great gift for families and professionals addressing special needs. (click on title below for direct amazon link.) An author’s promotional work is never done…
Images above courtesy of Special Olympics. Used with permission.
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