Eunice Kennedy Shriver: Special Olympics founder dies

Eunice Kennedy Shriver: Special Olympics founder dies

Eunice Kennedy Shriver, sister of late US president John F. Kennedy and founder of the Special Olympics, has died at the age of 88.

Eunice Kennedy Shriver died at Cape Cod hospital in Massachusetts on Tuesday morning.

Ms Shriver's family issued a statement, saying, "The amazing Eunice Kennedy Shriver went home to God this morning at 2 am. She was the light of our lives, a mother, wife, grandmother, sister and aunt who taught us by example, and with passion, what it means to live a faith-driven life of love and service to others".

Ms Shriver was admitted to hospital more than a week ago. The diagnosis was not given, but she had suffered several strokes in recent years.

Ms Shriver organised the first International Special Olympics Summer Games in Chicago, Illinois, USA in 1968. She was credited with helping to transform America's views of the mentally disabled through her campaigns.

Ms Shriver's brother, Senator Edward Kennedy, is also suffering from brain cancer. She is the mother of TV host Maria Shriver, who is married to California Governor Arnold Schwarzenegger.

Ms Shriver was the fifth of nine children of Joseph P. Kennedy, Sr. and Rose Kennedy. She was the wife of 1972 vice presidential candidate and former Peace Corps director R. Sargent Shriver.

Ms Shriver is survived by her husband, duaghter and sons Robert Sargent Shriver III, Timothy Perry Shriver, Mark Kennedy Shriver and Anthony Paul Kennedy Shriver.