Text 2996, 56 rader
Skriven 2006-07-10 23:34:22 av Whitehouse Press (1:3634/12.0)
Ärende: Press Release (060710h) for Mon, 2006 Jul 10
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President Bush Honors Eunice Kennedy Shriver, Celebrates Special Olympics
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For Immediate Release
Office of the Press Secretary
July 10, 2006

President Bush Honors Eunice Kennedy Shriver, Celebrates Special Olympics
The East Room



7:40 P.M. EDT

THE PRESIDENT: Ladies and gentlemen, thank you for coming. Mrs. Shriver,
and Special Olympics athletes; friends and family. Mr. President -- the
President of Iceland has joined us -- proud you're here, President
Grimsson. And First Lady of Panama, First Lady Torrijos is with us, as
well. We've got members of the Congress and members of the Senate. Laura
and I are glad you all are here. Welcome to this special occasion.

We're here to celebrate the Special Olympics, and to honor a woman who made
them possible -- Eunice Kennedy Shriver. (Applause.) And we're here to
celebrate her birthday. (Laughter.)

In a moment we'll hear from this woman who has made it her life's work to
create opportunities for people with intellectual disabilities. She founded
the Special Olympics in 1968, to get people with intellectual disabilities
the chance to develop physical fitness, to create friendships, and
experience the joy of sports competition and achievement. Today the Special
Olympics includes more than 2.25 million athletes in 150 countries. The
games have become a source -- (applause.) The games have become a source of
unity and excitement for its participants. They've helped raise awareness
of the challenges facing those with intellectual disabilities.

America upholds the values of every person and the possibilities of every
life. And the Special Olympics are an example of America at its best. We
share with the entire world the spirit of joy and kindness that the Special
Olympics brings.

If you ever had any doubt about how much good one person can do, look no
further than this kind and gracious lady. On this special occasion, I ask
you to join me in a toast to the Special Olympics, and to Eunice Kennedy
Shriver, and to her contributions to our nation -- past, present, and
future. God bless.

(A toast is offered.) (Applause.)

END 7:44 P.M. EDT

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