Eunice Kennedy Shriver

Revolutionized global perceptions of intellectual disabilities through Special Olympics

Eunice Kennedy Shriver (1921–2009) transformed societal attitudes toward people with intellectual disabilities by founding Special Olympics in 1968. Inspired by her sister Rosemary's lobotomy tragedy, she challenged medical establishments that recommended institutionalization.

Shriver's 1962 Camp Shriver prototype demonstrated that physical activity improved cognitive abilities—a radical concept at the time. Her advocacy led to the 1990 Americans with Disabilities Act and changed Paralympic eligibility rules.

Through relentless fundraising, she grew Special Olympics into a global movement across 172 countries. The 1987 International Games introduced unified sports pairing disabled and non-disabled athletes—a model now adopted by schools worldwide.