Dear Friend, 

This Thanksgiving, I want to extend my heartfelt gratitude to each and every person in our millions-strong Special Olympics family, including you. 

From the passionate coaches and volunteers to the dedicated fans and supporters, our inclusion movement is stronger in 2023 than ever. As I reflect on the awe-inspiring impact this community made possible this year, I know my mother, Eunice Kennedy Shriver, would be so proud. 

Like her, you’ve never lost sight of why Special Olympics is essential: To transform the lives of athletes with intellectual disabilities (ID) through the power of sports. You’ve risen to the moment for our athletes – and in turn, you’ve honored how they rise to the moment on and off the field every single day.

Thank you, for your commitment to our mission of championing athletes and their families. 

As we gather around our tables today and cherish time with loved ones, it’s impossible to ignore the empty chairs at so many families’ tables around the world. Our hearts ache for the lives of our fellow human beings impacted by war, natural disasters, and hate and division – it can feel like the world is running short on hope. 

We need strength and clarity of purpose now more than ever. That’s why I’m especially grateful for organizations like Special Olympics. Hopeful, joyful, one-of-a-kind communities of dignity like ours that make extraordinary moments possible for athletes:

• The moment an athlete hears their name cheered and celebrated by family, friends, and teammates – or by thousands of fans at the World Games.
• The moment a team rallies through a challenge and inspires their home country or local community to open their hearts to people of all abilities.
• The moment a family sees an athlete nominated for that first leadership position, give that first public speech, or become included in a group of friends through sport. 

The moments that inspire. The moments that transcend differences. The moments that create a world where each one of us is called by name, beautiful, sacred, and able. A world where there are a million different abilities but no disabilities. This is my mother’s life work. This is our dignity revolution, and we will continue to lead it by playing unified and living unified alongside you – and every person in our Special Olympics family. 

With my warmest wishes this Thanksgiving,