THE PRESIDENT: Good evening. Good evening,
everyone. Laura and I are so pleased to welcome you to the
White House, as we pay tribute to a great organization and the really
good people behind it.
In a moment, we will hear from Eunice Kennedy Shriver, who has made
the Special Olympics her life's work. If you ever had any
doubt about how much good that one person can bring into the world,
look no farther than this kind and gracious
lady. (Applause.) And she married pretty well,
too. Sure glad you're here,
Sargent. (Applause). And they've done a good job
of raising their family.
We are so pleased to welcome the -- I hate to say the word
"children" -- the offspring of Sargent and Eunice
Shriver. Obviously, you've done a good job of instilling the
sense of public service in your children, and they're compassionate
people. I particularly want to thank Tim for being the
President of Special Olympics. (Applause.)
With us as well is Eunice's little brother -- well, younger
brother. (Laughter.) A man I have grown to admire as a fine
United States senator. And Orrin Hatch, another fine senator, is here,
as well. Thank you both for coming. (Applause.)
I appreciate my Commerce Secretary, Donny Evans, for being
here. And I want to thank the Surgeon General, David
Satcher, for coming, as well.
I also want to welcome the co-chairs of the Campaign for the
Special Olympics, Steve Case and Peter Lynch, and all of those who
support this fine organization. Thank you for coming
tonight. (Applause.)
And the highest title of all is held by the King of the Blues,
B.B. King. Thank you for coming. (Applause.)
We gather here to celebrate achievement of the Special Olympics,
itself, and those who compete. Before we lived here, Laura
and I were fortunate to be involved with the Special Olympics in
Texas. And I'll never forget being a hugger at Texas
Memorial Stadium. Such a wonderful
experience. We're so grateful for the Special Olympics.
And so is America because America at its best upholds the values of
every person and the possibilities of every life. And
Special Olympics is an example of America at its best, sharing with the
entire world a spirit of joy and kindness.
The story of our country is an ever-widening circle, a society in
which everyone has a place and everyone has something to
give. You brought that spirit into the lives of more than a
million children and adults across the world, and I thank you for
that.
Most of all, I congratulate the global messengers and athletes with
us this evening: Cindy Bentley, Henry
Moretti, Mohammad Nassar, Jia Sirui, Victor Stewart, Katy
Wilson, Loretta Claiborne, and Ricardo Thornton. Each one of
you has been recognized for giving your best, for sharing your many
gifts with others, and for living out the Special Olympics oath, "Let
me win; but if I cannot win, let me be brave in the
attempt." Each one of you has set high goals and you have
met them through hard work and courage.
We are all so proud to have you with us tonight, and ask all of our
guests to join me in toasting the brave and generous spirit of the
Special Olympics.
(A toast was offered.)
THE PRESIDENT: And now it is my honor to welcome Mrs.
Eunice Shriver.