Special Olympics WisconsinPop star Joe Jonas helps lobby for Special Olympics on Capitol Hill
20-year-old musician Joe Jonas of the Jonas Brothers as well as Olympic runner Carl Lewis joined more than 300 Special Olympics staff around the country for Capitol Hill Day, including Wisconsin's Dennis Alldridge and Kelly Kloepping, urging Members of Congress to authorize The Eunice Kennedy Shriver Act.
This Act will continue a national commitment by the U.S. Congress made with passage of the 2004 Special Olympics Sport and Empowerment Act. This new legislation continues the legacy of Mrs. Shriver by authorizing funds for specific programs supporting persons with intellectual disabilities in health, education and global program initiatives.
Eunice Kennedy Shriver Day - September 25, 2010
In conjunction with their efforts on Capitol Hill, Special Olympics Chairman and CEO, Tim Shriver, and Best Buddies Founder and Chairman, Anthony Shriver, have announced an official annual day in honor of their mother, Eunice Kennedy Shriver, every fourth Saturday in September with the first this September 25, 2010. Mrs. Shriver was a trail blazing leader who broke down barriers to improve the lives of millions of persons with intellectual disabilities, their families and communities around the world for over five decades.
Eunice Kennedy Shriver Day honors the vision, commitment and achievements of Mrs. Shriver and the tradition of making a difference that began in her backyard. The day's events will honor her inspiration, impact and indomitable spirit and challenge generations to "play on" by becoming agents of acceptance and action in their communities. The Day will include a series of initiatives that celebrate Mrs. Shriver's legacy, including local sports clinics and seminars, the building of Unity Sports Fields to serve the world's poorest countries, and an online celebration inviting people to teach Mrs. Shriver's story, share new stories of change, and join Special Olympics' and Best Buddies' call to action for acceptance, skill and dignity.
Special Olympics Wisconsin President Dennis Alldridge (left) with Joe Jonas of the Jonas Brothers (right) on Capitol Hill meeting in Rep. Dave Obey's office
