JFK Disabilities

"We must promote to the best of our ability and by all possible and appropriate means the mental and physical health of all our citizens."

                                                      President Kennedy, February 5, 1963

The president's sister Rosemary, was born with intellectual disabilities. In 1946, Mrs. Joseph P. Kennedy created the Joseph P. Kennedy Jr. Foundation to help to prevent and to identifie causes for intellectual disabilities.  Eunice Kennedy Shriver began directing the foundation in 1957 and became a staunch advocate for people with mental retardation and their families. 

President Kennedy and his family forever changed public attitudes toward people with intellectual disabilities. Their influence on related policies and programs can still be seen today.

The Special Olympics 

In 1968, Eunice Shriver founded the Special Olympics, an organization dedicated to celebrating and accepting people with intellectual disabilities as athletes. Today, more than 2.5 million children and adults in 180 countries participate in the Special Olympics.

JFK 50 Miles Memorial

 "What we must do is change the physical habits of millions of Americans and that is far more difficult than changing their tastes, their fashions or even their politics."

                                                                               JFK, December 5, 1961

President Theodore Roosevelt required all military officers to be able to cover 50 miles on foot, in 20 hours, to maintain their commissions. President John F. Kennedy helped to bring the country back to physical fitness. When word circulated about the "Kennedy Challenge", non-commissioned military personnel also wished to take the test themselves as did certain robust members of the civilian population.

When President Kennedy was assassinated in November 1963, the majority of these races were never held again. In 1964, the Washington County, Maryland race changed its name from the 'JFK 50 Mile Challenge' to the 'JFK 50 Mile Memorial'. It takes place every year since its inaugural race.

Of the many awards presented the most prestigious is the Kennedy Cup, which is awarded to the top-finishing military team.

50 Mile finisher Medal