Tuesday, January 18, 2011 an extraordinary civic hero passed away. With passion, dexterity, boldness, and idealism he set out to create institutions and movements to alleviate suffering, cultivate bonds of empathy and reciprocity across difference, and usher in a world where every individual realized their own unique potential. In reflecting upon his life, we are reminded in the most profound ways possible, the power of an individual to change the world.
Shriver's work on the War on Poverty included the creation of Head Start, Job Corps, AmeriCorps VISTA, Neighborhood Health Centers, Legal Services to the Poor, and Foster Grandparents, among others. Alongside his beloved and extraordinary wife, Eunice, he helped create the Special Olympics and served as its Chairman, growing it to a global organization. This singular American hero, through his can-do spirit, practical idealism, abiding faith, and belief that anything is possible in the pursuit of serving others, changed the lives of millions of people all over the world.
See President Obama's statement and pictures remembring Shriver's life on the White House Blog here.
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