Aug. 12, 2009

Dear Dr. Timothy Shriver,

I feel shocked and saddened by the news of the pass-away of your mother, Ms. Eunice Kennedy Shriver. On behalf of China Disabled Persons' Federation, I'd like to extend my sincere condolence to you and your family.

With her wisdom, decisiveness as well as understanding and support for people with intellectual disabilities, Ms. Eunice Kennedy Shriver initiated the Special Olympics movement in 1968, which turned out to be her life-long journey to fight for equal rights and mainstreaming of people with intellectual disabilities. Over 40 years later, Special Olympics are vigorously developing in more than 150 countries and regions. It has greatly influenced the perception and attitude of the world towards people with intellectual disabilities and fundamentally changed the life and destiny of millions of people with intellectual disabilities and their families worldwide. The achievements of Ms. Eunice Kennedy Shriver will be memorized and praised by the world forever!

Ms. Eunice Kennedy Shriver is an old friend of China Disabled Persons' Federation. With her guidance and support, the Special Olympics in China developed into the fastest growing program in the world with the number of Special Olympians amounting to over 800 thousand. She visited China twice in her 80s to promote the Shanghai Special Olympics World Summer Games, once meeting with President Hu Jintao. With her pass-away, our heart is heavy but filled with admiration and gratitude for her.

We are confident that you will follow the footprints of your mother and lead the Special Olympics movement develop to new heights.

 

Yours sincerely,

Wang Xinxian

President

China Disabled Persons' Federation