Eunice Kennedy Shriver, 1952, JFK Presidential Library
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In the 1960s, there were few opportunities for the mentally disabled, especially in the field of athletics. Eunice Kennedy Shriver, the sister of President John Kennedy, was inspired by the struggles of Rosemary, another Kennedy sibling, who suffered from a mental disability. Kennedy Shriver began by organizing summer sports camps for the disabled. In 1968, she organized the first Special Olympics, which were held in Chicago. Eunice dedicated the rest of her life to expanding the Special Olympics program and advocating for the mentally disabled. In 1984, President Ronald Reagan awarded her the Presidential Medal of Freedom for her efforts.
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