Hoyer Meets with Maryland Advocates on Special Olympics and Best Buddies Advocacy Day

WASHINGTON, DC  – Today, Congressman Steny H. Hoyer (MD-5) met with Maryland advocates on Special Olympics and Best Buddies Advocacy Day to discuss efforts to improve and advance opportunities for people with intellectual disabilities.

"Today, I met with advocates from Special Olympics and Best buddies, two organizations that are dedicated to helping individuals with disabilities lead full, successful lives," stated Congressman Hoyer. "I'm pleased I could receive their input on steps that Congress can take to support their mission, including passing the Eunice Kennedy Shriver Act, bipartisan legislation that passed the House in 2010 and that I was proud to reintroduce today. The legislation, which I co-sponsored with Rep. Peter King, a Republican from New York, will honor the legacy of Eunice Kennedy Shriver, who founded Special Olympics and influenced the development of Best Buddies, and will support individuals with intellectual disabilities, their peers, and their families. I look forward to working with these advocates to urge passage of this important legislation and help improve the quality of life for millions of people with disabilities."

The Eunice Kennedy Shriver Act of 2013 reauthorizes the Special Olympics Sport and Empowerment Act and authorizes the Department of Education to make grants to Best Buddies to support the expansion and development of mentoring programs for people with intellectual disabilities. For more information, click here.