In 1987 I was a fresh college graduate, employed by a bank and enjoying a steady paycheck. One of the perks of working for this bank was their connection to Notre Dame. So, when Special Olympics came to town to hold their annual competitions on campus, employees were encouraged to volunteer. Through some friends I snagged a role as a 'celebrity' ambassador and was able to spend the better portion of the week on campus, attending events and ceremonies and meeting lots of and lots of people. My official role was to be the escort of Mark Shriver, one of Eunice Kennedy Shriver's sons. Never met him, he didn't need an escort...but I did meet several of the Kennedy clan, other Kennedy relatives and a variety of professional athletes and TV/movie celebrities.
But the neatest experience was watching the participants. The pride and joy those athletes had in their abilities and in the Special Olympics experience was wonderful to witness.
Eunice Kennedy Shriver passed away yesterday, but the Special Olympics will live on and what an amazing tribute and legacy to this woman who never forgot her older sister and went on to bring such hope and joy to so many families.
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