Shriver ‘a fearless warrior for voiceless’

EUNICE Kennedy Shriver, the presidential sister who founded the Special Olympics, was celebrated yesterday at a funeral Mass as a fearless warrior for the voiceless who changed the world for millions and an unconventional woman who smoked Cuban cigars and played tackle football.

> “She was scary smart and not afraid to show it,” Maria Shriver said of her mother, who died on Tuesday at age 88. “If she were here today ... she would pound this podium ... and ask each of you what you have done today to better the world.”

The Special Olympics torch led a procession for Shriver past thousands of onlookers who lined the streets outside St Francis Xavier Roman Catholic Church as friends, family and athletes from the movement she founded in 1968 gathered for the private service.