Dear Friend, 

This Thanksgiving, I want to share my profound feeling of gratitude for the enduring strength and spirit of the Special Olympics community. 

Because of you and the millions of athletes, volunteers, supporters, and fans across the world, we have kept the magic of Special Olympics burning bright this year. More people with intellectual disabilities (ID), more families, and more neighborhoods in your area have become part of our mighty and joyful inclusion movement, transforming lives, futures, and perceptions of what’s possible. 

As one of our wonderful supporters, you are helping Special Olympics train and empower athletes with ID, on and off the field. Thank you – from the bottom of my heart – for all you do to help more people find belonging. Athletes are becoming champions because of you.

My family and I are getting ready to gather for our Thanksgiving celebration. The legacy of Special Olympics is on our hearts today. We are all grateful that the respectful, accepting, and loving world my mother, Eunice Kennedy Shriver, envisioned for all is indeed becoming the reality for more people – with their unique abilities and talents celebrated, not overlooked or dismissed. 

And we are grateful for every single person who has made their mark on the life of a Special Olympics athlete by supporting our mission. Your acts of courage and optimism not only keep our programs and services going strong but also help to lift up an individual, a family, a community, or a country. 

On behalf of my family and our compassionate, one-of-a-kind, and revolutionary organization, thank you for fueling and committing to the Special Olympics movement. 

With warm wishes this Thanksgiving, 

Tim Shriver Chairman of the Board Special Olympics