timshriver

Husband of 1, Father of 5, G-Daddy of 4, @SpecialOlympics @thedignityindex @CASELorg, host of "Need a Lift?" podcast

[Special Olympics Europe Eurasia @soeuropeeurasia]

The Special Olympics family is deeply saddened by the passing of Zhaneta Gotsireli, President of Special Olympics Georgia. Zhaneta was a dedicated and passionate leader who devoted her work to advancing inclusion and improving the lives of people with intellectual disabilities through sport for the past three decades. Her contribution to the Special Olympics movement will be remembered with great respect and gratitude.

Sven Albrecht, President and Managing Director of Special Olympics Europe Eurasia, said: “Zhaneta was a true advocate for inclusion and a committed leader within our movement. Her passion, dedication, and humanity touched many lives, and her legacy will continue to inspire us. We extend our deepest condolences to her family, friends, and the Special Olympics Georgia family.”

Our thoughts are with her loved ones and colleagues during this difficult time.

#SpecialOlympics

[Special Olympics @SpecialOlympics]

“𝙏𝙚𝙘𝙝𝙣𝙤𝙡𝙤𝙜𝙮 𝙞𝙨 𝙣𝙚𝙫𝙚𝙧 𝙣𝙚𝙪𝙩𝙧𝙖𝙡, 𝙗𝙚𝙘𝙖𝙪𝙨𝙚 𝙞𝙩 𝙩𝙖𝙠𝙚𝙨 𝙤𝙣 𝙩𝙝𝙚 𝙘𝙝𝙖𝙧𝙖𝙘𝙩𝙚𝙧𝙞𝙨𝙩𝙞𝙘𝙨 𝙤𝙛 𝙩𝙝𝙤𝙨𝙚 𝙬𝙝𝙤 𝙙𝙚𝙫𝙞𝙨𝙚, 𝙛𝙞𝙣𝙖𝙣𝙘𝙚, 𝙧𝙚𝙜𝙪𝙡𝙖𝙩𝙚 𝙖𝙣𝙙 𝙪𝙨𝙚 𝙞𝙩.” — 𝗣𝗼𝗽𝗲 𝗟𝗲𝗼 𝗫𝗜𝗩

AI is booming. But is it biased? Through an extensive research paper conducted by our data science team, #SpecialOlympics has found that AI chat systems contain implicit negative bias directed toward persons with intellectual disabilities. This bias presents a significant risk to the communities we serve.  But what if bias could be detected before AI systems shape decisions, services, or policy? Mitigating these biases could prevent future social harm to vulnerable populations, including Special Olympics athletes.
As AI rapidly becomes part of our daily lives, now is the time to address “automated ableism” and ensure AI models serve everybody, equitably. Read our research paper in Disability and Health Journal here: 🔗https://t.co/m9IQgopm6l
#ChooseToInclude #AIbias #InclusiveTech @ElsevierConnect

[Special Olympics @SpecialOlympics]

🤝Last night reminded us why sport is one of the most powerful global forces for diplomacy. Special Olympics was proud to co-host the 𝙋𝙖𝙧𝙩𝙣𝙚𝙧𝙨 𝙞𝙣 𝘿𝙞𝙥𝙡𝙤𝙢𝙖𝙘𝙮: 𝘼𝙙𝙫𝙖𝙣𝙘𝙞𝙣𝙜 𝙄𝙣𝙘𝙡𝙪𝙨𝙞𝙤𝙣 𝙏𝙝𝙧𝙤𝙪𝙜𝙝 𝙎𝙥𝙤𝙧𝙩 event in Washington DC alongside French Embassy in the U.S. in an evening that brought together Special Olympics Athlete Leaders, government leaders, ambassadors, and supporters united by a belief in the power of inclusion.
Damien Combredet-Blassel, French Ambassador for Sport, and David Evangelista, CEO of Special Olympics, sat down for a fireside chat that explored how inclusive sport strengthens diplomacy, advances international collaboration, and builds more inclusive communities worldwide — powers that will be on full display in July at the #SpecialOlympics Unified Football World Cup Paris 2026.

#PlayUnified #ChooseToInclude #Paris2026UFWC @SOLYMPICSFrance | @soeuropeeurasia | @SONorthAmerica

[Special Olympics @SpecialOlympics]

Join #SpecialOlympics in honoring Dr. Frank Hayden, who passed away at 96.

A pioneer of inclusion in sport, Dr. Hayden proved that opportunity can unlock the potential of athletes with intellectual disabilities.

Learn more: https://t.co/n8QhYImj1Q

#ChooseToInclude

[Special Olympics USA Games @2026USAGames]

Inclusion takes center stage at the Special Olympics USA Games!

We are thrilled to announce @JonBatiste & @ddlovato will perform at the @2026USAGames Opening Ceremony.

📍Huntington Bank Stadium, Minneapolis | June 20 🎟️ Tickets: https://t.co/qsm4ubgM8W

#CallingAllChampions

[timshriver @TimShriver]

There’s a new cheer for anyone ready to be an includer: “look, listen, lock!”

The great panthers of Bush Hill Elementary showed it off together with their amazing unified sports skills.

Don’t doubt that young Americans can make our country more just and more joyful. They’re already doing exactly that!

#youthsportsweek #takebacksport #ChooseToInclude

[timshriver @TimShriver]

We are so proud of our dad. “We Called it A War”, written by my father nearly 60 years ago, tells a story we need to hear today: the fight against poverty worked best when communities were invited in to lead in action. Authority wasn’t handed down.

Patients sat on community health center boards.
Neighborhood leaders helped govern community action agencies.
Head Start supported children and their families.

Read this book and you’ll see the heart behind it all—how his faith led him to sit with people he disagreed with, how he met the country where it was instead of demanding it change for him, and how he gave his life to helping others help themselves.

He was not taken seriously and he soldiered on with humility and grit. He was treated with contempt and responded with dignity. He faced division, even in his own family, and tried to ease it. He trusted God. 

We don’t just need leaders like him—we need to believe in systems like these again. 

My siblings and I are so excited to share his work with you!!
Thank you, Dad!

https://t.co/Flr6QHxkrw

@RSargentShriver @mariashriver @bobbyshriver @Mark_Shriver

[timshriver @TimShriver]

I am grateful for all the wisdom and energy that surfaced during my time in Switzerland.

There is no doubt in my mind that Switzerland is open for a new inauguration of the spirit and practices of inclusion and no doubt in my mind that our athletes will be able to move people forward through uncertainty and change into a more just and joyful future.

With three years until we celebrate the Games with pride, we have a powerful opportunity to create a lasting legacy in Switzerland for the world. Nothing less will do!!

[University of Notre Dame @NotreDame]

.@TimShriver has dedicated his life to championing the inherent dignity of every person.

Inspired by his parents and guided by a deep commitment to faith and service, he has helped transform how the world sees individuals with intellectual disabilities: https://t.co/zmcLlEre5o

[timshriver @TimShriver]

People ask me what gives me hope. Check out this story. Educators teaching dignity. Kids leading with dignity. A community intent on creating a culture of dignity. That’s what gives me hope.

https://t.co/T18cj9Fwg2

[timshriver @TimShriver]

Pope Leo says it so well: the world is hungry for 'solidarity and diversity,' and @SpecialOlympics athletes teach us how to find it. When we play together, we learn how to live together too. Thank you, Pope Leo. We can’t wait to welcome you to our movement again.

[Pope Leo XIV @Pontifex]

On the occasion of the celebration of the XXV #WinterOlympicGames and of the XIV Paralympic Games, I wish to address my greeting and good wishes to those who are directly involved, and at the same time, take this opportunity to offer a reflection for everyone.
https://t.co/zakhNcMdzd

[timshriver @TimShriver]

Bravo to Josh D’Amaro, who will lead @Disney, one of the world's greatest creative and entertainment companies. He’s a fan of @SpecialOlympics, and we’re fans of his! Let’s continue to inspire people across the globe to envision a more inclusive, just, and joyful world.

[timshriver @TimShriver]

@LeaderJohnThune Grateful for the continued leadership of @LeaderJohnThune in supporting @SpecialOlympics and advancing the spirit of inclusion at #SOHillDay.

[timshriver @TimShriver]

@RepStenyHoyer @SpOlympicsMD Thank you, @RepStenyHoyer for your continued support of @SpecialOlympics and #SOHillDay

[timshriver @TimShriver]

Congratulations to @SpecialOlympics Board member, @amadougallofall.

Watch Now - “Origin: The Story of the @theBAL". A true story of perseverance, determination, and humility. #ChooseToInclude @SO_Africa

[ESPN PR @ESPNPR]

ESPN set to premiere 'Origin: The Story of the Basketball Africa League' on Wednesday, Feb. 11

🏀 4-part doc chronicles the inaugural season of @theBAL
🏀 Ft. interviews w/former President @BarackObama, @JColeNC, @StephenCurry30, Masai Ujiri & more

🔗 https://t.co/ywwVWPQY1P

[timshriver @TimShriver]

I didn’t come to Capitol Hill Day to speak. I came to listen. To athletes and Unified partners who show what real inclusion looks like—personal, consistent, lived. Their voices are shaping the future.

Thank you to the members of Congress and the United States Senate who take the time to listen and support our @specialolympics athletes and our mission. If these voices move you, please take action: https://t.co/ukOaPbt6Zv @SONorthAmerica