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24823479
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Special Olympics 12/15 [1998]
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24823479
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Special Olympics 12/15 [1998]
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Records of the First Lady's Office (Clinton Administration)
Noa Meyer's Files
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42-t-18558020-20120869S-009-011-2015
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YEARS OF
1325 G Street, NW, Suite 500
Washington, DC 20005-3104 USA
HEROES
R- Patri
Phone: 202.628.3630 Fax: 202.824.0200
Web Site: www.specialolympics.org AOL Keyword: Special Olympics
Special Olympics
E-Mail: [email protected]
Caprencer
une 17 1998
Bps Pluse call
Mrs. Hillary Rodham Clinton
First Lady
her discuss
The White House
1600 Pennsylvania Avenue
Washington, D.C. 20005
Dear Mrs. Clinton:
When I saw you at lunch in Boston recently, I was once again reminded of how
generous you and the President have been to my family and to so many important causes
we share. In particular, I will always be extraordinarily grateful that you and the
President have been such strong supporters of children with mental disabilities.
I write now with the hope of gaining your support for a simple but exciting event
celebrating Special Olympics 30th Anniversary. As you know so well, Special Olympics
is currently organized in 150 countries worldwide and is, in many places, the lone
powerful voice for the needs and abilities of people with mental retardation. From July
1998 though July of 1999, our global movement will be celebrating its first 30 years with
a range of tributes and special events.
I'm pleased to say that the news media have already committed to substantial
coverage of our anniversary. We are expecting coverage from all the major news outlets,
and in addition, Oprah Winfrey and The Wonderful World of Disney are planning to air
shows featuring the heroic achievements of our athletes during the anniversary year.
Perhaps the most dramatic observation of the occasion will be a Torch Run along the
Great Wall in honor of our wonderful Special Olympics athletes, sponsored by the
Government of China.
I'd like to propose that you and the President play a central role in Special
Olympics' 30th Anniversary by hosting an elegant but festive Christmas party and concert
at the White House in December. The concert would feature recording superstars who
have contributed to the "A Very Special Christmas" records, sales of which have helped
finance the growth of Special Olympics worldwide. I envision an at-home, "unplugged"
evening at the White House honoring the heroes of Special Olympics in a relaxed,
traditional, and family setting. The message would be that the American family,
symbolically headed by you and the President, welcomes everyone. The event also
would allow you and the President to recognize the often heroic achievements of the least
powerful members of our society at a time of year when we're all reflecting on just how
pecial Olympics
Created by the Joseph.P. Kennedy, /r.g. Foundation for the Benefit of Persons Mental Retardation
Mrs. Clinton
June 17, 1998
Page 2
noble and triumphant the human spirit can be. And, because it is an event that would
involve some of the most famous recording artists in the world, it also would be a great
deal of fun!
I cannot underscore enough how important a contribution you would be making to
our movement if you agreed host this event. A White House Christmas party and concert
would certainly become the highlight of our Anniversary year.
If possible, I would like to meet with you for 15 minutes with my son Timothy,
CEO of Special Olympics, to share the exciting possibilities for this event with you. I
will call your office soon with the hope of working together with you on this wonderful
undertaking.
With all best wishes,
Envice
Eunice Kennedy Shriver
Enclosures: Event Concept Paper and
Brochure summarizing the A Very Special Christmas" record series