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      <h3>Anthony Kennedy Shriver to Travel to Middle East to Launch Best Buddies International Program at Shafallah Center in Qatar</h3>
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      <i>&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;By: Best Buddies International<br>
      Posted: 2007-04-16 05:56:48</i>
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      Anthony Kennedy Shriver, founder and chairman of Best Buddies International and brother of California First Lady Maria Shriver, will be traveling to Doha, Qatar next week to announce the expansion of Best Buddies International's presence in the Middle East with the opening of a new accredited program in collaboration with the innovative Shafallah Center for Children with Special Needs, a nonprofit charitable organization. <br><br>Shriver will be one of the distinguished guests of Her Highness Sheikha Mozah bint Nasser al Missned on Monday, April 23 at the Shafallah Center, where a luncheon will be held as part of the Second Annual International Forum on Children with Special Needs. Anthony Kennedy Shriver will deliver a keynote speech at the luncheon about the shared vision to educate and mentor children with intellectual disabilities, while also spotlighting Qatar as a sophisticated, beautiful destination for visitors and business. <br><br>"I am energized by the enthusiasm and innovation I witness throughout Qatar," states Anthony Kennedy Shriver. "In particular, the Shafallah Center is a testament to Her Highness Sheikha Mozah's unparalleled dedication to serving those individuals who history most often has disregarded, children with intellectual disabilities. Her Highness' complete belief in the mission of Best Buddies further distinguishes Qatar, not only as a wondrous destination, but a place that is most special for enabling inclusion and integration through the unique power of friendship. <br><br>The Shafallah Center for Children with Special Needs was established by the effort and under the authority of the chairperson of the Supreme Council of Family Affairs, HH Sheikha Mozah, who believes in the vitality and importance of the family and the child's role in society, particularly those children with special needs. The Center provides comprehensive services and care to individuals with developmental learning challenges, their families and the community, and has been designed and constructed in accordance with the highest standards and latest developments in the field. The Center also aims at providing all the children with the optimal support services to enable them to adapt to the surrounding environment in order to live among others in the community. For information, visit http://www.shafallah.org.qa/home.htm. <br><br>Best Buddies International is a global nonprofit founded in 1989 by Anthony Kennedy Shriver to enhance the lives of persons with intellectual disabilities by offering opportunities for one-to-one friendships and integrated employment. Best Buddies, which annually impacts more than 300,000 individuals, operates more than 1,300 affiliates in all 50 States and in 30 countries on six continents. For more information, please visit http://www.bestbuddies.org. <br><br>NOTE TO EDITORS: There will be photo and interview opportunities with Anthony Kennedy Shriver for the media. Please call in advance to inquire about details. <br><br>Contacts: <br>Mary Kaye Daniels (NY) <br>212-901-3938 / 310-435-1620 cell <br>marykaye.daniels@bwr-ny.com <br> <br>Kristen Chin (LA) <br>310-550-7776 <br>kchin@bwr-la.com  
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