A Letter from HE Vivian Fernandez de TorrijosFormer First Lady of the Republic of Panama

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One of the qualities I most admire in people is perseverance, and when I think of Eunice Kennedy Shriver that's one of the first words that come to my mind.

I've admired Eunice for many years now and it wasn't until several years ago that I had the outmost honor to meet and the opportunity to work with her. She is just great!! and so the movement she created in her own backyard in 1958 in which I belong and work with my heart and soul.

I remember her words when once said "SO athletes are spokespersons for freedom itself - they ask for the freedom to live, the freedom to belong, the freedom to contribute, the freedom to have a chance. And, of all the values that unite and inspire us to week a better world, no value holds a higher place than the value of freedom."

My admiration and gratitude to her will never cease but I am more committed than ever to make her dream, our dream, a reality in ever corner of the world.

Love,

Vivian

About HE Vivian Fernandez de Torrijos

Vivian Fernandez de Torrijos became First lady of Panama in 2004 when her husband, Martin Torrijos Espino, became President. Mrs. Fernandez is a publicist by profession and has actively participated and led social benefit projects focused on the improvement of living conditions of disadvantaged social groups, as people with disabilities, rural woman, children and youth of scarce resources. Mrs. Torrijos serves on the Board of Directors for Special Olympics.