International Headquarters

1701 K St. N.W.. Suite 203, Washington, D.C. 20006-I 581 (202) 31-1346

April 4, 1983

Honorable Everett Koop, M.D.
Surgeon General
Room 716 G
200 Independence Avenue, S.W.
Washington, D.C.   20201

Dear Honorable Dr. Koop:

   Thank you for the time spent a few weeks back discussing
with Sargent the Atlantoaxial Dislocation condition in Down
Syndrome individuals who participate in Special Olympics. Your
advice and guidance on this matter has proven to be quite
valuable.

   I have enclosed the memorandum, policy statement and
supportive information which we have sent to all Special
Olympics organizations with instructions to carry out the policy
by May 15, 1983.  I believe that the policy provides proper
safeguards for Special Olympics participants with Down Syndrome
while still offering the benefits of active participation in
sports training and competition.  We always want to do what is
best for all mentally retarded participants, including those who
may have the Atlantoaxial Dislocation condition.

   If you have any further recommendations or comments, please
do not hesitate to write or call me directly.  We can always
send "flash bulletins" if you see the need for modification of
our policy.

EKS/hss

        Eunice Kennedy Shriver, President
Robert M. Montague, Jr., Brigadier General USA (Ret.). Executive Director
  Frank J. Hayden, Ph.D., Director of International Development
  Thomas B. Songster, Ph.D., Director of Sports and Recreation

Created and sponsored by The Joseph P. Kennedy Jr. Foundation 4 qgi4