Outer Focus Photos: Photo of the Day August 12, 2009

Above is a selection of photos I've had the honor of shooting over the past couple of years as a volunteer for Special Olympics Chicago. Today's blog is inspired by the recent passing of the amazing humanitarian Eunice Kennedy Shriver, without whom Special Olympics and kinder treatment of the mentally challenged would not be what they are today.

With a developmentally disabled sister in her own family, Eunice Kennedy Shriver became a champion of hands-on training, care, and teaching of the mentally challenged. She once said: ""I think that really the only way you change people's attitudes or behavior is to work with them, not write papers or serve on committees. Who's going to work with the child to change him -- with the juvenile delinquent and the retarded? Who's going to teach them to swim? To catch a ball? You have to work with the person. It's quite simple, actually."

In 1968, Shriver helped found and host the first Special Olympics in Soldier Field in Chicago, IL. About 1,000 athletes competed in various sporting events. Today, Special Olympics is a well-run, well-respected organization operating in all fifty state and 180 countries, serving nearly 3 million special needs athletes. There are local chapters of Special Olympics in nearly every city and town. If you or your organization would like to volunteer a few hours or find out how you can contribute to this amazing organization, check out their website: http://www.specialolympics.org

For a more information on Eunice Kennedy Shriver: http://www.eunicekennedyshriver.org/

To see more of my Special Olympics photos: http://www.outerfocusphotos.com/gallery/5704512_ERpdA#351951004_g32vP

I would love to see some of you volunteering next time I'm photographing these talented, loving, proud athletes in the Chicago area! And, of course, very special thanks to Eunice for teaching us that every human has value and every person has a right to shine.

Best,
Brigette

Outer Focus Photos
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