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KENNEDY CELEBRATES OPENING OF CAMP SHRIVER

OFFICIAL KICK-OFF HONORS EUNICE KENNEDY SHRIVER'S 85TH BIRTHDAY AND COMMENCES CAMP FOR CHILDREN

July 17, 2006

FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE

FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE:

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?BOSTON, MA-Today, Senator Edward M. Kennedy honored his sister Eunice Kennedy Shriver's 85th birthday with the official kick-off of Camp Shriver at UMass Boston. The ceremony provided an opportunity to acknowledge the work of counselors, campers, and the program's supporters. The first Camp Shriver took place at Mrs. Shriver's home in Maryland.

“Years ago, my sister, Eunice recognized how important it was for a child with special needs to be able to play and learn alongside their friends,” said Senator Kennedy. “That is the reason that she began Camp Shriver in her own backyard over 40 years ago, only to follow up with the creation of Special Olympics. Eunice has always invested herself in promoting opportunities that give every child a chance to succeed. “

Started in 1962 in Mrs. Shriver's backyard, Camp Shriver was the first step towards the creation of the Special Olympics, the landmark sports competition for children with disabilities. At the time, Mrs. Shriver invited children with disabilities to her home to participate in organized activities. This year, Camp Shriver will be held in Massachusetts for the first time, bringing this tradition to the children of the Commonwealth.

UMass Boston, in addition to 5 other sites across the nation, will host 65 elementary school-aged children from Boston, Cambridge, and Brockton , both with and without special needs. Through a series of programs, Camp Shriver allows campers to improve their sports and educational skills, build interpersonal skills, and form friendships that will last a lifetime. ?






? ? Remarks of Senator Edward M. Kennedy
University of Massachusetts Kickoff of Camp Shriver
July 17, 2006

(As Prepared for delivery)

Today is a great day for all the children that will be part of this week's activities. You will have the opportunity to play and compete in sports, but also become good friends. This could be the best part of your summer vacation.

I have the privilege today to introduce my sister Eunice who has always been my trusted advisor and cherished friend.

Growing up in a family with a sister with special needs was a unique experience and Rosemary inspired each of us, but particularly Eunice, with an unwavering commitment to improving the quality of life of children with special needs.

Years ago, my sister, Eunice recognized how important it was for a child with special needs to be able to play and learn alongside their friends. That is the reason that she began Camp Shriver in her own backyard over 40 years ago, only to follow up with the creation of Special Olympics.

Eunice has always invested herself in promoting opportunities that give every child a chance to succeed.

Eunice is our family's greatest champion. She is the one who remembers all of our family's birthdays and anniversaries, and makes sure everyone gets together.

Eunice keeps tabs on us all, and believe me she will now keep tabs on you!

Eunice understood that children with special needs are not unable and have many capabilities. But she also understood that for years they were being unfairly left out and excluded from many childhood activities.

Too many times, she saw children, just like my sister, being told "no" and being turned away from everyday childhood activities. She went on a mission to make the lives of those children better.

She has included all of us in that mission, and I am sure she will include all of you from today on.

As you know, younger brothers don't like to be upstaged by their older sisters. I have been to the White House many times but I have never had the President throw a birthday party for me! But Eunice has!

Without further ado, allow me to introduce you to your new camp counselor, my sister Eunice Shriver.

She will show you everyday the difference that one person can make with enough determination.



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