A Shriver Comeback

Two years after ending the Shriver family’s Best Buddies Ball—one of Washington’s premier social events—the family hopes a new bike ride and run will boost their signature cause: opportunities for intellectually disabled people. Anthony and Timothy Shriver say the Eunice Kennedy Shriver Challenge, October 23 on the Mall, honors their mother’s competitive and collaborative spirit. Eunice Shriver—who founded the Special Olympics and held the ball at the Potomac home she shared with her husband, Sargent Shriver—died last year.

Hosting the ride in DC sends a message, says Tim Shriver, because the District “has really abused its adult residents with intellectual disabilities who have been under the care of the city.”

Want to get in on the action? 
The races start on the National Mall at 8 AM and end at 11. Participants can choose from a 20 mile bike race, a series of tandem Criterium Races alongside Best Buddies and Special Olympic participants, a 5K run, a 3K walk, and a youth fun run. Registration is $50, free for participants 21 and under. All participants are required to commit to a fundraising level by the date of the event—click here to read more on those commitments.

This article first appeared in the October 2010 issue of The Washingtonian. 

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Alyssa Rosenberg