Kennedy Bridge in Hamburg: Name addition honors Eunice Shriver!

Kennedy Bridge in Hamburg: Name addition honors Eunice Shriver!

In Hamburg there is news about the Kennedy Bridge: The well-known traffic artery is being given a name addition to commemorate personalities who played an important role in the history of the USA. More specifically, the bridge will also be dedicated to Eunice Kennedy-Shriver, the sister of former US President John F. Kennedy. The proposal came from a citizen's input and was approved by the district assemblies in Hamburg-Mitte and Eimsbüttel. The official confirmation by the responsible Senate commission is considered a formality, so that the addition can soon be integrated without changing the existing name.

Eunice Kennedy-Shriver, born July 10, 1921 in Brookline, Massachusetts, was a notable philanthropist and a driving force behind the movement for people with intellectual disabilities. She founded the Special Olympics in 1968, which is now the largest sports movement for these people and has over 6 million participants worldwide. Around 7,000 athletes competed at the last Special Olympics in Berlin and showed how sport can break down barriers.

Eunice Kennedy-Shriver: A Life for Justice

Eunice Shriver grew up in a wealthy family as the fifth of nine children. Her family supported education and sports, which made her realize early on the importance of community and equal opportunities. With regard to her sister Rosemary, who had a mental disability, she campaigned tirelessly for the rights of these people. In the late 1950s and early 1960s, she recognized the neglect and discrimination that many of her peers were experiencing and began to actively demand and effect change.

Thanks to her initiative, Camp Shriver was founded in 1962, a summer camp for children with intellectual disabilities, which ultimately led to the founding of the Special Olympics. These games not only promoted top sporting achievements, but also raised awareness of the potential of people with disabilities. Eunice Shriver believed that every person has the ability to be an exceptional athlete.

A lasting legacy

Her commitment was recognized in 1984 with the award of the Presidential Medal of Freedom, one of the USA's highest honors. Shriver not only left an active legacy through her social projects, but also a family that carries on her dream. She was married to Sargent Shriver, a US ambassador, and had five children. After her death in 2009, her tireless fight for justice and inclusion for people with intellectual disabilities will be remembered.

By adding the name to the Kennedy Bridge, Hamburg is contributing to the memory of this inspiring personality and highlighting the important work of the Special Olympics.

The measure is not only seen as a reward for Eunice Kennedy-Shriver, but also as a sign of appreciation for everyone who supports equal opportunities and integration. A contemporary step that shows that the spirit of cohesion and support remains alive in the Hanseatic city.