A Brief History:
In the early 1950’s, people with mental disabilities were treated much differently than they are today. Most of us would be greatly shocked or offended to see the lack of respect shown to these individuals, solely because of their disabilities. Luckily, Eunice Kennedy Shriver took a stand to make a difference and stop the injustice.
Her goal was to create a place for disabled children to thrive. She began by starting a summer day camp for young people with handicaps in her own backyard. She focused on what these children could do in sports and other activities – and not dwell on what they could not do.