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Special needs adults mourn Shriver at funeral

E-mail|Link|Comments () August 14, 2009 12:05 PM

(David L. Ryan/Globe Staff)

Special Olympic athletes Shawn Heffernan (center) and Loretta Clairborne (right) carried the torch from the games to the funeral today of their founder, Eunice Kennedy Shriver. On the left is Chief Russell B. Laine, president of the International Association of Chiefs of Police.

By Peter Schworm, Globe Staff

HYANNIS -- The legacy of Eunice Kennedy Shriver lined the sidewalk outside her funeral Mass, an honor guard of 100 special-needs adults. Many wore Special Olympics medals draped around their necks and placed their right hand over their heart as Shriver's casket passed into St. Francis Xavier church.

"It's such a tremendous loss, she has done more for those with special needs than anyone in the world," said Vivian Donnelly, a nurse that works with Cape Abilities, a non-profit group that works with the developmentally disabled. "We can't express what a loss it is."

Shawn Heffernan, 27, of Orleans, wore his Special Olympics medals around his neck while he carried the Special Olympics torch in the procession to the church.

“I was very excited," said Heffernan, who is developmentally disabled. Asked about the Special Olympics, he said, "It was about more than competition. It means so much more."

"The Special Olympics are a wonderful thing, they build self esteem and motivation in one’s self," Heffernan said. "I don't know without the Olympics I would have done … in life."

Heffernan's mother, Marguerite, 53, of Harwich, watched her son proudly from the sidewalk as he slowly made his way with a police officer to the church. She has participated in some of the first Special Olympics in the late '60s.

Mike Lohse, 30, of Barnstable, said he was "very sad over Shriver's death," but was grateful he got a chance to pay his last respects.