250 to 250: 34. Special Olympics, Narrated by Maria Shriver

 

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)