Heather Cox Richardson and Maria Shriver: Special Olympics, Narrated by Maria Shriver
Maria Shriver is a Peabody and Emmy Award-winning journalist and producer, a bestselling author, and former First Lady of California. She is the founder of the Women's Alzheimer's Movement at Cleveland Clinic and The Sunday Paper, and the co-founder of MOSH. Shriver tells how her mother, Eunice Kennedy Shriver, inspired by her sister Rosemary, founded the Special Olympics movement from a backyard camp built on dignity and inclusion.
The Special Olympics:
- Rosemary Kennedy was born in 1918.
- At that time, people with intellectual disabilities often faced unfair treatment.
- Eunice Kennedy Shriver wanted to help people like her sister Rosemary.
- In 1962, she started Camp Shriver in her backyard.
- Camp Shriver later became the Special Olympics.
- Volunteers helped make the program grow.
- Special Olympics gives people with intellectual disabilities a chance to play sports.
- It also provides health care, education, jobs, leadership training, and family support.
- Today, millions of people around the world take part in Special Olympics.
- The program teaches dignity, inclusion, courage, and friendship.
- The Special Olympics athlete oath says, "Let me win. But if I cannot win, let me be brave in the attempt."
- Special Olympics shows that everyone deserves respect and the chance to succeed.
POP Interview and Civics Quiz:
- USCIS PM-602-0188: Do you take part in your community or do volunteer work in the United States?
- USCIS 100:55. What are two ways that Americans can participate in their democracy?
- USCIS 128:69. What are two examples of civic participation in the United States?
Family Fun:
- 2026 Special Olympic Games
- Best Buddies: Take Action
- Helps people with intellectual and developmental disabilities build friendships, work, and live full lives. Founded by Eunice Kennedy Shriver.
- NPI: Portrait of Eunice Kennedy Shriver by David Lenz
- Postal Museum: Special Olympics Stamps 1| 2 | 3 |
- Special Olympics: USA Games 2026 coloring book
- Special Olympics: Finess Through Sports Playbook
- Special Olympics: Unified Young Readers Club Guide
- Special Olympics: Special Olympics and Paralympics
- Special Olympics: Volunteer Opportunities | Volunteer Resources |
- Special Olympics Northern California (google Speical Olympics in your local area)
