Kennedy son Tim Shriver will write book on the Special Olympics

Special Olympics CEO Tim Shriver says his new book will focus on how the athletes involved in the competition have changed his life.

Tim Shriver, son of Kennedy daughter Eunice Shriver and R. Sargent Shriver, will be writing a book on his experiences with the Special Olympics.

In order to complete the writing process, Shriver said he will take time off from serving as CEO of the Special Olympics organization, which was founded by his mother. He said he wants the book to focus on how much he has learned from the competition.

“The athletes of this movement – in their heroism, in their perseverance, in their courage, in their vulnerability – there are really important lessons for a time and an age when people are really looking and seeking ways to find more fulfillment, more purpose, more peace … in their lives,” Shriver said in an interview with the Associated Press.

He said he’s received important lessons from the athletes who participate in the Special Olympics.

“Here I am 50-plus years old and I think the athletes of this movement have taught me more about how to live this life than anyone,” Shriver told the Associated Press. “There’s a lot more here than a charity. There’s a lot more than a cause."

There is no planned release date for the book yet, but Shriver said he may return to work by June. J. Brady Lum, the Special Olympics president and chief operating officer, will continue his role within the company with lead director of the Special Olympics International Board of Directors Stephen Carter taking on additional duties.

Shriver’s book will be released by publisher Farrar, Straus & Giroux.

Molly Driscoll is a Monitor contributor.

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