Sargent Shriver Honored With the Prestigious JFK Kennedy Library And Foundation "Distinguished American Award"

--------------------------------------------------------------------------------
May 14, 2001 - PR Newswire

--------------------------------------------------------------------------------


WASHINGTON, May 14 /PRNewswire/ -- The Kennedy Library and Foundation honored Special Olympics Chairman Sargent Shriver with the "Distinguished American Award" on May 8, 2001 for his inspiring work with the Peace Corps, one of his many contributions to the betterment of society.


The "Distinguished American Award" honors men and women who have played significant roles in American public affairs and invites them to share their insight and experiences with the public. Among those who have been honored as Distinguished Americans by the Kennedy Library are Henry Kissinger, President George Bush, Joseph Lieberman and Madeleine Albright.


"All of us in America, especially Members of Congress, need to have our ears, eyes, and voices of our individual consciences awakened to the opportunities lying in front of us," said Sargent Shriver. "We have an unprecedented opportunity to lead the world into a new century that celebrates spirit, heart and humanity."


As an international lawyer, and administrator, ambassador, and an advocate for the poor and powerless, Sargent Shriver has compiled an unparalleled record of public service at every tier, from the local level to the world community. A graduate of Yale University and Yale Law School, Shriver served in the U.S. Navy for five years before ending his military career as lieutenant commander.


Highlights of Shriver's advocacy have included: organizer and first Director of the Peace Corps, President of Special Olympics, Inc. from 1884- 1991; Chairman of Special Olympics Board of Directors 1991-present; and founder of VISTA, Head Start, Community Action, Foster Grandparents, JobCorps, Legal Services, Indian and Migrant Opportunities and Neighborhood Health Services.


The John F. Kennedy Library Foundation was established in 1984. The purpose of this non-profit foundation is to advance the mission of the Library itself: To capture, preserve and exhibit for scholars and visitors of future generations the history and essence of President Kennedy's life and career, and to encourage understanding, respect for and participation in public service. Caroline Kennedy is the President of the John F. Kennedy Library Foundation.


Special Olympics is an international year-round program of sports training and competition for individuals with mental retardation. More than one million athletes in over 150 countries train and compete in 26 Olympic-type summer and winter sports. Founded in 1968 by Eunice Kennedy Shriver, Special Olympics provides people with mental retardation continuing opportunities to develop fitness, demonstrate courage, and experience joy as they participate in the sharing of gifts and friendship with other athletes, their families and the community. There is no cost to participate in Special Olympics.


Visit Special Olympics online at http://www.specialolympics.org or on AOL (Keyword: Special Olympics).


http://tbutton.prnewswi re.com/prn/11690X18873800 SOURCE Special Olympics, Inc.