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. I'd like to extend my sincere condolence to you and your family.

Ms. Eunice Kennedy Shriver is a great lady. She is passionate, wise and full of pioneering spirit. This gentle but strong-willed lady has greatly influenced the perception and attitude of the world towards people with intellectual disability. The Special Olympics movement she initiated has fundamentally changed the life and destiny of millions of people with intellectual disability and their families worldwide. In 2007, she personally came to China to attend the Shanghai Special Olympics World Summer Games at the age of 86. She cheered for Special Olympians and had fun with people with intellectual disability at Sunshine Homes. Once again, we were overwhelmed by her charming personality.

Throughout her life, Ms. Eunice Kennedy Shriver generously devoted her love and care to people with intellectual disability, unceasingly fought for equal rights of the disadvantaged groups and created miracles one after another. She will be memorized and missed by the Special Olympics family, including the Chinese people forever!

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

Yours sincerely,

Deng Pufang

Vice Chairperson
National Committee of Chinese People's Political Consultative Conference

Honorary Chairperson
China Disabled Persons' Federation

Past Member of Board of Special Olympics International