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Timothy Shriver, Ph.D., President and Chief Executive Officer, Special Olympics, Inc. has given a strong endorsement of PROFOUNDLY NORMAL.
Shriver said: "Thank God for PROFOUNDLY NORMAL - a story that, until now, has never been told in a movie. Ricardo and Donna Thornton are two heroes who have triumphed in the face of the worst adversity - being deserted by their families and by their country. The history of injustice and the humor, strength and courage it took to overcome it is spellbinding. I hope everyone watches it. You can't claim to be an American if you don't know this story."
A Special Olympics athlete for more than a decade, Ricardo Thornton is one of the organization's Global Messengers, representing the organization and spreading their message worldwide. In 1997, Washingtonian Magazine named him one of 15 "Washingtonians of the Year." In 2001, Donna and Ricardo were guests of President George W. Bush and Laura Bush at the "Spirit of Special Olympics Celebration." Also in 2001, Ricardo participated in "Special Olympics African Hope" with Arnold Schwarzenegger and Nelson Mandela, in an event to raise awareness and promote acceptance of people with mental retardation throughout Africa.
Special Olympics is an international year-round program of sports training and competition for individuals with mental retardation. More than one million athletes in more than 150 countries train and compete in 26 Olympic-type summer and winter sports. Founded in 1968 by Eunice Kennedy Shriver, Special Olympics provides people with mental retardation continuing opportunities to develop fitness, demonstrate courage and experience joy as they participate in the sharing of gifts and friendship with other athletes, their families and the community.
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Interview with Kirstie Alley A note from the Special Olympics